PBA: Surprise hero Noy Baclao credits Alaska's unselfish basketball for strong performance vs Hotshots

Alaska seems to be harvesting the fruits of their "we not me" philosophy as two role players in Nonoy Baclao and Ping Exciminiano spelled the difference in Game Two of their best-of-five semifinals series against Star on Friday night.

Both players finished with 10 points apiece in just 17 and 14 minutes on the floor for the Aces, proving to be the spark off the bench that the team needed to dominate the Hotshots.

But while Exciminiano is regularly used as a back court stopper in coach Alex Compton's rotation, Baclao only saw five games of action in the elimination round of the Governors' Cup.

"Sinasabihan [ako ni coach] na be patient. In God's time, darating din 'yung time na ako 'yung gagamitin," shared the former Ateneo big man, who shot 5-of-5 from the field and finished with five rebounds in the Aces' 95-74 win against the Grand Slam champions.

The 2010 top draft pick was named Player of the Game for his breakout performance in an Alaska uniform, and he credits his success to coach Alex Compton's system and confidence in his players.

"Lahat puwede umiskor, lahat puwede makadeliver," he said. "Pag may araw, sige, bigay mo lang sa kanya."

Compton was all praises for Baclao, who is a fairly recent acquisition for Alaska after getting traded in exchange for veteran Gabby Espinas last conference.

"Most games he doesn't play. He came in and he's just the epitome of professional," said the American coach. "He made shots, but we all know he's a good defender."

Compton also said that Baclao played "like an All-Star" as he scored eight of his 10 points in the third quarter, filling in effectively for Calvin Abueva at the post after The Beast got plagued with early foul trouble.

The 27-year-old big man, though, played down his admirable feat, saying just gave what was needed inside the court.

"Makatulong lang sa team, 'yun lang ang gusto ko," he said. "Suwerte lang din kasi 'yung tira ko pumapasok." - RAF, GMA News