ANTIPOLO CITY - The patience of Carl Bryan Cruz paid off Sunday night after playing a significant role in the blowout win that kept Alaska's chances alive in the PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
Cruz made good use of the minutes given him by coach Alex Compton by scoring 10 points in 15 minutes while providing defense on the other end to help the Aces beat the Hotshots, 100-71, at the Ynares Center.
The former Far Eastern University standout's patience paid off, after spending most of the season on the bench, as he is now playing a part in Alaska's first finals appearance since 2016.
"Siyempre sa part ko napakahirap talaga," Cruz said. "Ang motivation ko lang is to stay patient at mag-work hard lang every practice."
Compton was glad to see Cruz deliver, especially with Alaska entering Game 3 with the possibility of falling behind 0-3 in the series.
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Cruz scored seven of Alaska's 11 points that highlighted the team's rally from a 22-16 first quarter deficit.
That stretch opened the door for Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso to build a 50-36 halftime lead before import Mike Harris delivered 22 of his 36 points in the third as the contest turned into a rout.
"He's done the work all year," Compton said. "Bryan's been active in practice, listening, asking questions and working hard. I'm happy for him that he got his reward of playing so well. Really proud of him."
Cruz's Game 3 performance could earn longer minutes for him as Alaska tries to level the best-of-seven Finals series in Wednesday's fourth game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (JT)
