In his stellar 13-year pro career, Arwind Santos has figured in some of the most highly-emotional and physical series this decade.
But the ongoing San Miguel Beermen’s series against the Phoenix Fuel Masters is not one of them, according to him.
“Wala naman. Hindi naman masyado. Asaran lang, hindi naman sakitan,” the seven-time PBA champion opined.
“Asaran yung nangyari, hindi siya ganoon kapisikal pa para sa akin.”
Just like the first two games of the semifinals series, Game Three saw a lot of bodies rolling over the hard court of the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
A total of 77 fouls were called — including a flagrant two early in the second quarter.
The game saw RJ Jazul bust his nose;Â Calvin Abueva tweak his ankle;Â Christian Standhardinger clocked on the head; players scrambling for loose balls; and tough rebounding skirmishes.
But unlike Games One and Two, the Fuel Masters were able to adjust, taking a 92-90 win to cut San Miguel’s series lead to one game.
Santos took responsibility for the loss, as he was only limited to just three points on 1-of-12 shooting.
“Nakita ko masama laro namin, lalo ako masama laro ko,” the native of Angeles, Pampanga lamented.
Still, Santos is looking at the silver linings of the loss.
Even without Marcio Lassiter, San Miguel were only one shot away from beating Phoenix. And he is confident that they will carry this over to Game Four on Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Sa sama ng laro namin, muntik pa kami manalo. May negative and may positive doon,” he opined.
“Game Four, sana makuha namin yung pangatlong panalo.”
