Paul Zamar was the hero that the Blackwater Elite needed on Friday.
Inside the game’s last 25 seconds, Zamar chased down Anjo Caram’s fastbreak lay-up before sinking a cold-blooded triple to help the Elite repel Allen Durham and the Meralco Bolts, 94-91, in 2018 Governors’ Cup action.
The 5-foot-11 gunslinger from UE finished with 13 points – 10 in the final frame alone – on 4-of-6 shooting along with two rebounds, an assist, and a block in the game that Zamar could consider as a shining moment for him.
“Ini-stress out ni Henry for the last two minutes, even nung mid-fourth, wala na kayo ibang gagawin pag natanggap na yung bola, tira na,” said Zamar of the shot.
“‘Wag na mag-hesitate, kasi dun ka mapo-prone sa turnovers.
“All effort na lang, kesa naman ibigay mo yung wide-open layup, ma-block or ma-foul mo, at least nandun ka na ma-prevent yung layup,” the six-year pro added of the block. “Nakinig lang ako sa mga sinabi ng coaches at teammates ko.”
Zamar wasn’t supposed to be on the court in the game’s closing minutes; it should’ve been Mike Di Gregorio. But apparently, divine intervention happened on the Elite’s bench, particularly coach Bong Ramos.
“Mike is good. But today, I didn’t get anything from him. He was trying his best,” said the veteran bench strategist, as DiGregorio only had two points on six shots. “I had to decide kanina. Put Paul or Mike. And I chose Zamar.
“I prayed. I prayed. During the game. Totoo, I prayed.”
And it was a wise decision by Ramos, as Zamar put on a heroic act to lift his team back to the win column and to help Blackwater gain a share of the top spot along with the Barangay Ginebra and the Magnolia Hotshots.
“Nabigyan ako ng chance ni coach Bong [Ramos] to close the game, thankful ako na nakapag-deliver ako.”
