For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Beau Belga, their clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Friday evening had been the longest game he has played in the 10 years he’s been in the league.
The hefty 6-foot-6 slotman played a total of 44 minutes as the game extended to three overtimes. Belga finished with 17 points along with six rebounds and five assists. However, his efforts went down the drain as they lost 92-100.
“Ngayon lang ako sa buong career ko na naglaro ng 44 minutes. Kaya naramdaman ko yung pagod,” he exhaled after the four-hour match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Pakiramdam ko gusto kong mahiga.”
But even if he and all of the Elasto Painters got worn out only to bow at the end, Belga shared that it was all worth it, for it only made them realize that they can go toe-to-toe with anybody standing infront of them.
“Worth it naman. At least alam naming kaya naming mag-compete kahit sinong team pa,” he said.
The 31-year-old had chances to end the match and become the Elasto Painters’ hero. Unfortunately, all of his potential game-winning baskets — first in the fourth quarter and second in the first extra time — missed.
“Yun ang papraktisin ko, paano tumira ng last shot,” quipped Belga with a slight grin. “Pero walang sisisihin sa game na ‘to. Lumaban kami.
“Alam naming kaya namin.”
Friday night’s match had served as a preview for the 2018 Philippine Cup playoffs, as RoS and Ginebra will play on Monday in a best-of-three series. And for Belga, they’re glad that they had a good test heading into Monday.
“Sabi nga ni coach Caloy, matalo man tayo sila parin makakatapat natin,” said Belga. “Kailangan lang naming magpolish ng mga gagawin against Ginebra. Mahirap manalo against Ginebra sa totoo lang.
“So sa Sunday prepare tapos laro Monday.”
