With only a minute to go in Game Three of Meralco’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semis series versus the TNT KaTropa last Thursday, Baser Amer had a chance to give his side the lead with a right-wing triple.
The Bolts were only down by a point, 97-98, during that time. The gunslinging guard had a good shot, thanks to a good find from Allen Durham.
Unfortunately, he missed. The KaTropa then went on to win, 101-97, to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
It has been two nights, but Amer hasn’t forgotten about that failed chance. Still, he has kept telling himself that should another situation like that arise, he will not hesitate to shoot.
That opportunity came in Game Four. And this time, the 27-year-old succeeded.
With the KaTropa trying to fight their way back from 11 down inside the final 4:38, Durham scored off a lay-up. Amer then made a triple — also from the right-wing — to make it 95-83 with 39.6 ticks left.
That shot settled the final count of Meralco’s victory, tying the series at two games apiece.
“‘Yung last game na tira ko, sobrang sayang. Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko ‘pag may ganung situwasyon ulit ishu-shoot ko na,” said Amer, who finished with 12 points, seven assists, and four steals.
The win meant plenty for the Bolts, since it allowed them to push the series to the limit. It also keeps their hopes of returning to the season-ending meet’s Finals for the third time in four years.
For Amer, Meralco will simply give it their all in Game Five on Monday, December 23, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Whatever happens sa Game Five, kailangan lang namin ibigay yung best namin,” said the four-year pro out of San Beda University. “Laruin lang namin ‘yung Meralco basketball.
“Kung ano ‘yung gusto ni coach Norman [Black] na pinapagawa sa ‘min kailangan naming gawin.”
