The ball was already in Aldrech Ramos’ hands while he was on the right wing of the three-point area. Known as a big man with a touch from the outside, all he had to do was to pull the trigger and keep the San Miguel Beermen at bay.
But surprisingly, he pulled back. He passed to his left to Mark Barroca, who had no choice but to heave it from afar as the shot clock was about to expire. As a result, the Beermen were able to threaten and closed within distance.
“Actually nung first medyo nagte-tentative ako nun, nakita niyo ‘di ko tinira, na-shot-clock ata,” recalled Ramos.
That was when Star Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero stepped in and spoke to the 6-foot-6 forward, telling him to take advantage of every situation that favors him, especially with the kind of plays where he has space to make shots.
“That’s what I told Aldrech eh. He’s there to spread the floor.
“Tentative pa siya in the last two minutes. I told them if you’re open, shoot,” said the first-year coach on what he told his veteran forward during the short timeout.
And the six-year pro responded accordingly.
The former Far Eastern University Tamaraw made up for his bad decision earlier, and he made up for it emphatically. Ramos faded from his screen, and nailed a break-away triple from the top of the key to make it 108-104 with 12.8 ticks left to play.
The Hotshots went on to reign victorious, 109-105, and take a 1-0 series lead over the Beermen in their race-to-three semifinal series — all thanks to that clutch shot by Ramos.
“Good thing Aldrech responded to my challenge,” lauded Victolero of Ramos.
For Ramos though, he only grabbed the opportunity when it had presented itself.
“Sabi ni coach, kung libre ako, itira ko, yung nakita ko yung chance na yun, grinab ko na. Luckily naman nashoot siya,” said the Gilas Pilipinas pioneer, who finished with 11 points.
But he could not be more elated, not just because of his heroics, but for helping his side win in a down-the-wire battle.
“Masaya kasi siyempre kasi crucial yung basket na yun, nakatulong yun sa team kahit papaano so happy,” said the 29-year-old after the bout.
“Sarap ng feeling eh, kasi nakaka-boost ng morale yun sa team namin.”
