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PBA: Kevin Racal rediscovers shooting stroke in time for Alaska

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/sports/01/10/011018-racal.jpg"/><figcaption>Kevin Racal finally broke out of his slump in Alaska&#x27;s win over Meralco on Wednesday. File/PBA Media Bureau</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines—The Meralco Bolts could be forgiven for leaving Alaska forward Kevin Racal open in crunch time of their PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday.After all, Racal has been mired in a brutal shooting slump so far in the all-Filipino conference. Heading into Wednesday&#x27;s game, the former Letran star had scored a grand total of two points in two games. He has shot only 20% from the field, and missed all three three-pointers that he took.That night, however, Racal made the Bolts pay. With Alaska&#x27;s lead down to four points, 87-83, with less than four minutes to go, Racal was left wide open and he coolly knocked down a three-pointer off a JVee Casio assist.His triple was answered by Meralco&#x27;s KG Canaleta, who again cut the deficit to four, 90-86, with still 2:29 to go. But Racal was not yet done. Casio again found him open, and Racal again drilled a three-pointer. The Aces led 93-86 with two minutes left, and went on to secure a 103-98 win.&quot;K-Racs knocked down two huge 3s, and I mean, that&#x27;s the game,&quot; Alaska coach Alex Compton said after his team&#x27;s maiden victory of the conference.Compton revealed that they have been talking to Racal through his slump, trying to keep the player&#x27;s spirits up.&quot;He&#x27;s such a smart basketball player, he&#x27;s such a great defender. He&#x27;s a smart offensive player – he&#x27;s just missing his shots,&quot; the coach explained.&quot;So for him to have that breakthrough, while he&#x27;s out there to help us defensively… to knock down two huge 3s, I mean, that&#x27;s massive,&quot; Compton added.Racal wound up with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, while adding four rebounds in the game. His final triple of the game helped take the wind out of Meralco&#x27;s sails, and the Aces made enough free throws down the stretch to hold off the Bolts for good.For Racal, his crunch time heroics was all because of his teammates.&quot;Sabi nga nila, ang tagal ko na rin na walang magandang laro,&quot; he acknowledged. &quot;Siguro, na-swertehan lang din, and dahil din sa mga teammates ko.&quot;&quot;Nalo-locate nila ako, para malibre. And siyempre, pinagpa-praktisan ko rin. Talagang nage-extra work ako,&quot; he said.The victory over Meralco was a boost of confidence for Alaska, after the team endured a difficult 2017. Racal is hopeful that they can put a winning streak together, especially as they are going up against a woeful Kia team in their next game on Sunday.&quot;Kailangan pa rin namin pagtrabahuhan,&quot; he said. &quot;&#x27;Yung Kia naman, hindi naman &#x27;yun pupunta ng game na ibibigay lang &#x27;yung panalo sa amin. Kailangan pa rin namin paghirapan. Kailangan namin maghanda.&quot;For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website.</a>

The Meralco Bolts could be forgiven for leaving Alaska forward Kevin Racal open in crunch time of their PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday.

The Meralco Bolts could be forgiven for leaving Alaska forward Kevin Racal open in crunch time of their PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday.

PBA: Kevin Racal rediscovers shooting stroke in time for Alaska

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PBA: Kevin Racal rediscovers shooting stroke in time for Alaska

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 11, 2018 03:51 AM PHT

Read More:

PBA Philippine Cup

Alaska

Meralco

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