Anxious moments filled the Ynares Center – especially on the NLEX Road Warriors’ side – when JR Quiñahan committed a costly turnover with 11.5 seconds remaining in the fourth, with NLEX behind Alaska by one, 97-98.
Quiñahan made the error when his pass intended for Larry Fonacier on the left wing was anticipated and caught by Aces’ defensive specialist Ping Exciminiano, giving Alaska a chance to call a timeout afterwards.
“Natalikod kasi ako, kaya ‘di ko nakita na naka-seal yung import. Mali ko talaga, kasi pwede naman tumawag ng timeout. Akala ko maabot pa ni Larry yung pasa ko, tapos yung passing lane nabasa ni Ping,” recalled the 34-year-old.
“Nagalit si coach (Yeng Guiao).”
But instead of sulking, Quiñahan moved on quickly and did his best to bounce back. And when the game went into overtime thanks to Aaron Fuller’s bucket, the veteran forward saw an opening to redeem himself.
The stocky Quiñahan took charge in the extra period, scoring 10 of the Road Warriors’ 17 points to lift his team to a 116-110 victory that moved them a win closer to barging into the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Quiñahan finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
“Tagal na ‘ko naglalaro kay coach. Kahit ano sabihin ni coach sa’kin, just play your game. Wala na ako pakialam kasi eight or nine years na kami nagsasama. Kilala ko na si coach, nagagalit yan pero sa game lang yan,” said the 11-year league vet.
“‘Pag nagalit yan bawi ka na lang. Kahit ‘di maganda sasabihin sa’yo… Narinig ko na yan, maraming beses na. Kilalang-kilala ko na si coach.”
The Road Warriors’ entry to the quarters will be formalized if they reign victorious over the also-ran Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. And for Quiñahan, he hopes to accomplish the mission so that no further complications will arise.
“‘Di pa kami sure dito kasi may TNT at Meralco na naghahabol. Kailangan, sa next game namin, sana maka-secure pa kami ng isa pang panalo para at least makapwesto kami seventh or eighth.”
