Arwind Santos was in a jovial mood even if his San Miguel Beermen had failed to post a commanding 3-0 lead in their 2018 Philippine Cup semifinal clash with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, as they bowed down in Game Three, Tuesday night.
The12-year veteran remained composed even with the 95-87 loss, as he felt like the Barangay had nearly had another meltdown similar to Game Two last Sunday, where SMB climbed from 15 points down for a 104-102 OT win.
“Ako masasabi ko sa game na ‘to, nakakatawa. Muntik pa sila,” said the former league Most Valuable Player, as the Beermen wiped out a 14-point deficit in the fourth and knocked within three — twice — inside the final 6:07.
Asked what had gone wrong in Game Three, the 36-year-old gave a metaphorical response.
“What went wrong? Medyo ano eh… Parang may mga shadow yung mga players kanina eh. Parang yung lima nagiging walo,” he said.
“Kaya parang nahihirapan kami bantayan kasi lima lang ang kalaban, pero nagiging walo.”
For sure, Santos’ thoughts regarding their loss will cause some controversy, especially from the ka-Barangays. But the six-time PBA champion, who had received a plethora of boos from Ginebra fans in Game Three, isn’t bothered.
“Never ako mapipikon ng fans. Maniwala kayo,” said Santos, who had 13 points in the loss. “In fact, ine-enjoy ko na lang yung mga pangaasar na yan. Ako wala akong nariring kung anuman sigaw nila, pero sila may nakikita sila.
“Pero yung focus ko sa laro di mawawala yun kahit pano. Basta ako ngayon, ang umiikot lang [sa isip ko] Game Four. Kailangan makuha namin yun.”
