Second chances don’t come by easily and that is why Alec Stockton made sure to not let it go to waste, much to the joy of each and every one in Converge.
The two-way guard beat San Miguel at the buzzer, coming through with the heroic act after being initially ejected until the referees reversed the decision, keeping him in the game — and preventing his team from playing a man short.
“I thought it was over for me,” exhaled Stockton during the postgame presser of their 114-112 Game 3 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium that kept the FiberXers alive in the Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, Monday night.
Stockton was no longer supposed to be in the game when he was called for a flagrant foul penalty two after reviews showed that he elbowed Beermen counterpart Kris Rosales to the jaw as the two got into a physical battle.
But shortly after the F2 — and his ejection — was made, game officials announced through the arena barker a clarification on the call.
The FEU product’s infraction was downgraded to an F1, so he was sent to the bench for only three minutes instead of being tossed out for good.
That, of course, was a big sigh of relief for Converge as one of its best players remained on the court, which would be their weapon down the stretch to take down the perennial contenders — and extend the series to at least a game.
In the end, Stockton became the savior of their conference, as he made it a point to deliver at a time needed the most to seek redemption.
“I almost cost us the game,” said the 26-year-old, who finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists plus a steal. “I had to do something. I’m just glad I made that shot and we got ourselves another chance on Friday.”
Stockton easily earned Player of the Game honors, and while on the podium inside the press room, he had no one else to thank.
“Shoutout to the referees for changing the call,” he quipped, drawing chuckles from those in the presser. “I wouldn’t be here right now.”
