PBA: Jimmy Alapag takes blame for NLEX’s first loss

PBA coach Jimmy Alapag gives instructions to his players during a timeout vs Terrafirma in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Jimmy Alapag pinned the blame on himself after NLEX’s unbeaten run in the PBA Governors’ Cup was stopped by Terrafirma last Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors came into the contest riding on a six-game sweep of the first round, but they couldn’t get the needed finishing kick after rallying from an early deficit to suffer a 114-109 loss.

“At the end of the day, I just have to do a better job of preparing these guys and getting them ready to play,” Alapag said in a video posted by the team’s social media page. “I thought we got off to a really slow start, which has been uncharacteristic for us so far this conference.

“But I think that kind of set the tone for the game and allowed Terrafirma to do what they want on the offensive end, and our communication on the defensive side could have been a little better.”

READ: PBA: Jimmy Alapag, NLEX pass true acid test with win over San Miguel

NLEX will get a chance to atone for its setback on Tuesday in what could be a tough challenge for Alapag and company in TNT at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Alapag steered NLEX to an 88-83 victory over his former team last Tuesday at Ninoy, but the Road Warriors encountered perhaps their most-difficult game before the Terrafirma defeat.

“The good thing is that we’re right back at it on Tuesday,” Alapag also said in the Road Warriors’ social media post.

Under Alapag, the Road Warriors became the last team to go unbeaten after a run anchored by the strong showing of import DeQuan Jones, the showing of guard Schonny Winston on both ends and Robert Bolick’s dual role of scorer and facilitator.