Jeff Chan had his best outing so far this 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup when Ginebra took on Columbian, Friday night.
The sniper from Negros fired 20 markers — half of which came in the payoff period alone — on 77.8-percent shooting from the field, along with five rebounds and three assists in nearly 18 minutes.
Chan was instrumental in helping the Gin Kings repel the Dyip. When the latter took the lead, 78-77, late in the third canto, he immediately returned the lead to the Barangay through a lay-up.
His bucket then sparked an overwhelming 28-6 assault that gave the crowd darlings a wide 105-84 lead with 6:43 left in the game. Ginebra simply cruised to the 113-90 victory.
“Nagkataon lang na umikot ‘yung bola and sumakto lang na open din naman ako,” said Chan of his performance.
“Nagalit nga si coach (Tim Cone) e kasi tied ballgame ata ‘yun and sabi niya mag-execute lang kami and makukuha namin ‘yung shots namin. Thank God pumasok mga shots namin.”
The win marked the Gin Kings’ seventh in 10 games,while enabling them to secure a twice-to-beat advantage for the quarterfinals. For Chan, that advantage means plenty.
“Sobrang laki kasi isang panalo lang semis ka na,” he said. “Ayaw mo naman dumating sa playoffs na agrabyado ka.
“Kaya ‘yung mentality namin before the game, kailangan namin kunin ‘yung game today kesa kunin pa natin sa Sunday. Baka mas mahirapan pa kami,” added the 36-year-old Chan.
The Barangay will take on NorthPort Batang Pier on Sunday, November 17. And even with the playoff incentive secure, Chan said he and the team will still play the best they can.
“Maglalaro pa rin kami. Mage-execute pa rin kami,” he said.
“Ayaw naman namin na maging relaxed going to the playoffs kasi siyempre kailangan mo sa playoffs kumpiyansa mo mataas.”
