It was as if a huge burden had fallen, to the relief of Paul Zamar.
Zamar and his Mono Vampire BC have never won against San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in this ABL season. They lost both of their matches in the elimination round, and bowed again in the Finals’ opener last Sunday.
Sunday’s loss — which yielded a 130-143 result — could actually be considered a tough pill to swallow for the 5-foot-10 Zamar, as his 25-point production had gone down the drain.
The Filipino Heritage Import was therefore gratified on Wednesday night, since at last, the narrative has taken a twist, as their quest for that win over Alab became successful, 103-100.
And it couldn’t be more poetic for Zamar, as he was the one who dealt the final blow to the Filipino ball club through his pressure-packed free throws with 15.4 seconds left to play.
“It’s a great feeling to finally win a game against the Philippines,” said the 30-year-old combo guard, who finished with 12 points along with four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
“[But] It’s mixed emotions, you know, playing against your fellow countrymen,” he added. “But of course, I still have a job to do.
“It’s basketball — you throw away all those emotions.”
Safe to say, Zamar doesn’t let feelings get in the way of his duties as Mono’s reinforcement — he isn’t at all bothered even if his fellow Filipinos were against him for over two hours.
The loudest of jeers he received from the crowd inside Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex were during his end-game trip to the foul line. But Zamar didn’t let the hostility get in his head.
“It felt like playing in the UAAP again with that kind of crowd,” said the former UE Red Warrior.
“It’s always tough playing in the Philippines, against my fellow countrymen. They cheer so hard.”
