Kevin Alas sees the remainder of the NLEX Road Warriors' semi-final showdown against the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok as a battle of wits with the series reduced to a best-of-three following his team's crucial Game 4 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Road Warriors leveled the semis duel at 2-2 courtesy of a 91-79 win over the Hotshots that saw not just Alas or fellow Gilas mainstay Kiefer Ravena step up but also veterans JR Quinahan, Cyrus Baguio and Larry Fonacier and unheralded center Raul Soyud.
NLEX tries to regain the series lead and move one step closer to making the finals for the first time in franchise history Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Game 6 is on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with a deciding seventh game, if necessary, slated Thursday in Antipolo.
"Kumbaga chess match na 'to e," said Alas, who finished Game 4 with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. "Siguro it's a matter of giving your 100 percent kasi sometimes going into the game, akala namin, we're feeling good about ourselves.
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"Magandang wake-up call sa amin yung back-to-back losses namin," added Alas, whose scoring production increased after averaging just 5.5 points in the first two games.
Alas was glad to see another solid game translate to a victory after his 15-point effort in Game 3 went in vain following the Road Warriors' 106-99 setback.
The former Letran star believes the hunger factor is the biggest advantages the Road Warriors have against a more-talented and experienced Hotshots team also seeking a finals berth after semi-final defeats in all three conferences last season.
"I have to admit mas experienced sa amin yung Magnolia, pero siguro advantage namin we're hungry na this is our first time here," said Alas. "Nag-eenjoy kami lahat e. I think that's an advantage for us."(JT)
