PBA: Why Aces shouldn't forget pain of losing, according to Aces boss Fred Uytengsu

 

As the Alaska squad made their way to the locker room after a hard-fought Game Seven of the Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel Beer, their faces were grim with the pain of losing after coming so close to the championship.

 

But for Alaska owner Fred Uytengsu, it was a feeling that should never be forgotten as the Aces renew their bid for their 15th title in the PBA.

 

"Remember this, guys, it's painful," he said, sharing what he told the team after the game. "Because we come back next conference, we gotta be right here."

 

Despite the heartbreaking 80-78 loss on Wednesday night, Uytengsu said he is proud of the team for their hard work and unwavering perseverance in the entire conference that carried them all the way to the finals.

 

"We came out, we came really close, we were down to the last shot," he said. "We fought back to the bitter end and we came back big. But we came up short."

 

The Aces once again shone with their tenacity to come back from a 23-point hole in the first half, overtaking the Beermen midway in the fourth and leading 78-76 with the clock winding down to the last minute.

 

But Arwind Santos buried a dagger trey, split his charities in the next play, and the San Miguel defense closed the door on Alaska's efforts to catch up.

 

As the Beermen celebrate their championship in the court, Alaska stayed inside their locker room, picking up themselves to start their campaign anew.

 

"We wanna have another ring," Uytengsu said. "The journey continues." — JST, GMA News