PBA: Thoss credits team effort after another solid game for Alaska

MANILA, Philippines -- Alaska head coach Alex Compton was effusive in his praise of Sonny Thoss, after the veteran center starred in the Aces' 103-101 triumph over Blackwater Elite on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thoss, now playing in his 15th PBA season, had 16 points and 5 rebounds in the game, and hit the dagger jumper with 34 seconds left to seal Alaska's second straight win of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.

"Sonny was awesome all game," Compton declared afterward, even as he shook his head at the center's three-point attempt in the dying seconds of the game. "I told you last game, I thought it was the best game I've seen him play in a long time, and he only scored 4 points."

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Thoss contributed 4 points and 6 boards when Alaska routed Columbian Dyip, 94-72, last Wednesday. At the time, Compton praised the center for his strong and aggressive play inside the paint, and his leadership.

"I felt like Sonny had his best game in a while," Compton said last week.

Against Blackwater, he was even better. Thoss repeatedly scored over the smaller Blackwater frontline, making 8 of his 12 field goal attempts. The only blemish in his game were his five turnovers.

"A lot of us coaches are less concerned about the points, and more concerned about how you play. And he was playing the right way, and I thought he played the right way again today," Compton said of Thoss.

The coach also expressed his awe at Thoss' activity, noting that it was quite an effort for a 37-year-old player.

"You know, I retired when I was 34," Compton pointed out. "I don't know how this 37-year-old, 6-(foot-)8 guys do it. But his level of activity today was tremendous."

Thoss, who has struggled with injuries and averaged just 5.1 points and 3.3 boards for Alaska last year, acknowledged that it was one of his "better games" recently but gave full credit to his teammates.

"Coach just asked me to be aggressive. I knew we had a size advantage, so I was just trying to make myself available inside, at least, give the team a chance," he said.

"I appreciate the guys actually looking inside, too. But then, you know, (Chris) Banchero was being aggressive, he had like 16 assists, I think. CBC (Carl Bryan Cruz) hit some big shots too, in the end," he added. "So it was a great team effort."

More than his own production, Thoss hailed his teammates for stepping up. Alaska has been dealing with a spate of injuries, and several of their key players -- including Vic Manuel, Kevin Racal and Simon Enciso -- are still quite a ways from making their comeback.

"Here's an opportunity for other players to step up and play, and show what they can give. And they did that tonight, so it was a great team effort tonight," he said.

As for his own health, Thoss would only say that he was feeling better.

"I don't think anyone is ever a 100%, but I'm definitely feeling better. I'm just gonna continue to work with the medical staff and hopefully get stronger," he said.

Alaska heads into the FIBA break with a 2-1 slate, and will return to action on March 1 against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

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