MANILA, Philippines – Aldin Ayo always means business and his birthday is no exception.

Ayo apologized for disregarding the birthday token the Converge staff got for him before he guided the team to a 106-99 win over Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, October 15.

“I don’t celebrate birthdays,” said Ayo.

“I have to apologize to our team staff at Converge because I might have offended them. They prepared a cake, but I told them, this is not the time to celebrate, this is a time to compete and win. I’m sorry if I set that aside.”

Still it felt terrific for Ayo to pick up a win on the day he turned 45 years old as the FiberXers got back on track after two consecutive close losses.

Converge wasted a 14-point lead in a 109-105 defeat to Magnolia then missed a chance to become the first team to beat guest squad Bay Area following a 106-100 loss.

The FiberXers looked on their way to their third straight defeat after squandering a 22-point advantage against the Bolts before they got the job done in the endgame behind import Quincy Miller and Maverick Ahanmisi.

Despite snapping their skid, Ayo said their win still leaves much to be desired.

“I mentioned this to the team before this game, we’re supposed to be a defensive team, but before this game, we’re second to last in points allowed,” said Ayo as Converge gave up an average of 107 points through four games.

“Something is wrong with that. We need to work on that. Our offense will come. All of these players can shoot, they can score, but we are prioritizing our defense.”

Even on his special day, Ayo is already looking forward to their next assignment: mighty San Miguel on October 21 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

“I don’t really celebrate birthdays, especially at work. It’s a distraction.” – Rappler.com