PBA: Allein Maliksi admits challenging self in Game 5 as Meralco takes 3-2 lead

Allein Maliksi proved to be crucial in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals on Friday, posting 22 points and five rebounds as the Meralco Bolts took a 3-2 series lead.

Maliksi, however, admitted that he took on the challenge to step up as his teammates already had their own shining moments in the series.

"Talagang chinallenge ko today ang sarili ko to be aggressive, to be a leader, to be a veteran," Maliksi said after their 92-88 win.

(I really challenged myself today to be aggressive, to be a leader, to be a veteran.)

Maliksi admitted that even though he was struggling in the past few games, he still gave way to his other teammates.

In the past three games, Maliksi was limited to a maximum of nine points after scoring 15 points in Game 1.

"Kahit na nag-struggle ako, I'm giving way sa teammates ko. Give way lang, give and take. Nag-step up kami nina Raymond [Almazan] and Bong [Quinto]."

(Even if I struggled, I'm giving way to my teammates. Just give way, give and take. Raymond, Bong, and I stepped up.)

He also added that he was more aggressive in offense during the game.

"I'm asking plays para sa sarili ko, I'm more assertive in terms of offense. I'm saying New[some], call this play, CB, set me up, parang ganun. Just always be involved. Just continue to find my touches and aggressive lang, kailangan ko talaga mag-step up eh. Nag-step up na sila, si New, Bong, Raymond, Cliff [Hodge]. It's my turn na mag-step up na din."

(I'm asking plays, I'm more assertive in terms of offense. I'm saying New, call this play, CB, set me up. Just always be involved. Just continue to find my touches and be aggressive because i need to step up. New, Bong, Raymond, Cliff stepped up. It's my turn to step up as well.)

Game 6 of the finals will be on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News