Maliksi’s cites Blackwater’s lack of experience as cause of downfall vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — Taking on Star will have to wait for former Hotshot Allein Maliksi.

After running out of fumes trying to upset the top-seeded Meralco Bolts, the Blackwater Elite missed an opportunity to take on the Purefoods squad waiting in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal.

Maliksi, who was traded to the expansion team late in the elimination phase, admitted on Thursday night that he was indeed looking forward on facing his former team.

“Oo naman,” he said of expecting to face Star. “Hindi ko naman itatago ‘yung ganoong feeling. “Pero ‘yun nga, baka si God na ‘yung gumagawa ng way na ka-bracket namin ang (Hotshots), tapos nanalo kami ng first game (against Meralco) — baka may pag-asa pa kami makapag-upset tonight (Thursday).”

“Pero, ‘yun lang, baka kulang pa din talaga ‘yung experience namin as a team,” he added.

The Elite ignited for 13 markers in their do-or-die tussle with the No. 1 Bolts. They led by as many as 12 in the game, but all that had been for naught when Baser Amer caught fire in the second half.

Blackwater, which joined Asia’s first pay-for-play league only in 2014, was on the verge of improving their franchise record-best outing that night. Had they pulled the rug on this conference’s top dogs, they would’ve made club history by barging into the semis.

But it should bring a sense of overachievement, right? Especially for a young team with barely any stars in it?

Maliksi, a Gilas trooper, said there is none.

“Wala naman tayong masasabi about overachieving kasi syempre, lahat naman tayo, gusto natin na mas may mapuntahan,” he said. "Pwede bang mag-overachieve ka na semis ka lang o quarterfinals ka lang? Siyempre, gusto mo makapunta o makuha 'yung championship.”

“Siguro, may reason ‘tong situation na ‘to — na it’s either a learning process or 'yung (ma-realize namin ang) mga bagay namin na dapat ma-adjust for next season.”

The Elite finished the season-ending conference with a 5-6 win-loss card.