All you need is that one shot.
After struggling in the second game of the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Finals, Phoenix-FEU Fuel Accelerator and Gilas Cadet member Roger Pogoy vowed that he and his team will bounce back in Game Three.
“Nakabawi si Carl (Cruz) ngayon pero sa next game kami naman babawi,” the confident Cebuano said after the 86-77 Game Two loss that knotted the series at 1-all to the Café France-Centro Escolar University Bakers.
However, Pogoy’s shooting woes carried over in the first three quarters of Game Three. Going into the final frame, Pogoy had been shooting a horrendous 3/20 from the field and 0/6 from distance. “Unang-una nawalan talaga ako ng kumpiyansa kasi lahat nung tinitira ko nung first to third quarter ayaw pumasok,” he said about losing his confidence as the game progressed.
The Accelerators were able to storm back in the game, as they cut the formerly 12-point Café France lead to two points, 84-82, with 19 seconds remaining in the game. In the next possession though, CEU’s defensive anchor Rod Ebondo was able to swat away Mike Tolomia’s attempt to tie the game.
Daquioag tried to drive past Ebondo later on but was again rejected by Ebondo. Luckily though, the floor general was able to grab the ball and made a quick pass to Roger Pogoy, who was on the left elbow. “Napunta kay Achie yung bola tapos pinasa na sa akin. Wala na e, papatay na yung game clock, kelangan na itira,” Pogoy reflected.
Photo courtesy of PBA Images
The Gilas Cadet composed himself for a split-second before calmly heaving a 27-footer. The ball slowly swished through the net to the hysteria of the FEU faithful in attendance. “Blessing na lang talaga ni Lord yun. Last na tira pa, pampanalo pa, ‘yun pa yung pumasok,” the 24-year-old shared about his sole three-pointer of the game. A desperate throw from beyond halfcourt by Café France-CEU point guard Mon Abundo went wide, right as Phoenix-FEU were able to steal Game Three, 85-84.
During the course of the UAAP season up until their D-League campaign, they have practiced these end-game scenarios, according to Pogoy. “Pinapractice talaga namin yun. Sobrang saya kasi nagbunga yung pinaghandaan namin,” he said as his teammate Mac Belo has been the one who has made the big shots during their collegiate days.
Just one win away from winning their school’s first PBA D-League championship, the Cebu-native is hoping that they finish the job on Tuesday, April 12 at the Filoil Flying V Centre. “Kung kaya tapusin, tapusin na. Sobrang galing kasi ng mga kalaban namin at matatanda na. Kami bata pa,” he closed, with just a hint of confidence.
