Cedrick Abis was the hero University of Perpetual Help System DALTA when it took on the win-hungry Mapua University last Wednesday.
With 26 seconds remaining and the Altas down by a solitary point, Abis launched a deep trey to put his side up.
It was the shot that sealed Perpetual’s second win in four games.
Though it seemed that he was calm and collected during the clutch, the 22-year-old out of Muntinlupa said that it was nerve-wracking.
“Siyempre, sobrang lucky po. Nagulat din po ako eh, di ko rin po in-expect na shu-shoot ko ‘yung tira kong yon,” said the 22-year-old sophomore.
“‘Yung shumoot na ‘yun, dun sobrang saya. Tapos siyempre, thank you ako kay Lord kasi ‘yung tirang yun na magpapanalo sa ‘min pinapasok.”
Abis has been giving solid contributions for Perpetual so far in NCAA Season 98, averaging 7.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.33 assists, and 1.33 blocks per contest. Against Mapua, he got 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting from the field, six rebounds, and a block.
Though still a rookie, Abis already has experience under his belt, playing for the Muntinlupa Emeralds in NBL-Pilipinas two years ago.
It was there where he met Perpetual head coach Myk Saguiguit, who was coaching the Paranaque Patriots.
“Siyempre, sobrang tuwa kasi may tiwala sa akin ‘yung mga coaches ko, lalo na si coach Myk [Saguiguit] may tiwala sa akin sa ganon na sitwayson na dikitan ako ‘yung pinapasok, ako ‘yung andun sa loob,” expressed Abis.
Still, Saguiguit was in awe of Abis’ shot.
“Kanina parang God’s gift eh.
“Akalain mo ma-shoot ni Abis ‘yun. So ‘yung last play na ‘yun actually kay Kim [Aurin] ‘yun eh, pero ganda ng focus ng bata kaya nabigay sa kanya ‘yung tira na ‘yon,” shared Perpetual’s head coach.
For Abis, he stressed that he was only doing his job what his coaches said to him, so he did.
