From zero to 10

The number 10 is supposed to reflect perfection as in a scale of one to 10. Meralco’s Allein Maliksi scored 10 points in the Bolts’ 83-74 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals at the MOA Arena last Sunday and although he averages more than that, it was perfection. Not just because Maliksi’s triple gave Meralco the lead for good, 65-64, with 11:30 to go or he shot seven points in the crucial fourth quarter or he had the last say in the contest with a layup but also because he was scoreless in Game 2. Maliksi went from zero to 10 and the turnaround made a difference.

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Maliksi in the finals. In Game 1, he sizzled for 22 points and knocked down 5 of 7 triples to go with eight rebounds in 26:34 minutes as Meralco took the opener, 104-91. In Game 2, Maliksi was 0 of 7 from the floor and went scoreless in 15:23 minutes. Ginebra won, 99-93. In Game 3, he came off the bench to scatter 10 points, including 2 of 6 from beyond the arc, in 28:05 minutes.

Maliksi, 34, said playing in the finals is for fulfillment since Meralco has never won a championship. Personally, he’s won four titles, all wearing the San Mig Coffee jersey under coach Tim Cone who’s now calling the shots for Ginebra. His last taste came in the 2014 Governors’ Cup to cap San Mig’s Grand Slam. “Coach Tim knows me more than anyone,” said Maliksi. At the moment, there’s nothing more on his mind than winning the Governors’ Cup for Meralco.  “With San Mig Coffee, I was a role player and reliever,” he noted. “Now, it’s different because coach Norman (Black) has given me the chance to be a key contributor. I just need to be consistent. Sobrang hirap to make it to the finals kaya since nandito na kami, hindi namin sasayangin ang opportunity.”

In the elims, Maliksi saved his best for Meralco’s last game when he erupted for 27 in the Bolts’ 109-90 decision over Phoenix. In the semis, he once more saved his best for last in scoring a series-high 24 in Meralco’s 94-81 clincher over Magnolia in Game 5. It’s getting to be a habit for Maliksi to deliver in the trenches.  He said playing against the Hotshots and Ginebra is a stark contrast. “Physical ang Magnolia at Ginebra plays a system that’s tough to beat kaya it will take a collective effort,” he said. “Since I used to play for coach Tim, I want to prove myself, that I’ve gotten better and matured.” Maliksi was the eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft behind Jvee Casio, Paul Lee, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael and Jason Ballesteros in that order. He played for Barako, Ginebra, San Mig Coffee and Blackwater before finding a home at Meralco.