Olsen Racela experienced a roller-coaster of emotions in a span of less than 24 hours.
Saturday evening (Manila time), Racela was helping Tim Cone coach the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel against the NLEX Road Warriors at the Coca-Cola Arena in the deserts of Dubai.
The game saw Ginebra lead by as much as 28 points, before NLEX made a furious endgame rally. The Road Warriors then completed a comeback in overtime and dealt Racela a heartbreaker, 111-113.
Photo from PBA Images
Given his responsibilities with FEU, though, Racela had to immediately pack his stuff and head to the airport.
“Dumating ako ng airport 9:40 p.m. (1:45 a.m. Manila time) Nakarating ako ng NAIA ng 12:30 p.m.,” shared Racela.
Racela, jet-lagged and all, arrived at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at around 2:00 pm.
The Tamaraws had a strong start against the Fighting Maroons, leading by as much 19 points in the third frame. But like Ginebra, FEU lost their lead and headed into overtime.
“Oo, naisip ko yun,” he recalled.
In overtime though, FEU found their higher gear, staving off UP, 82-79. And it was all worth it for Racela.
“Mahirap talaga, but looking at these young men on how much they wanted to win, kita mo yung desire nila manalo. Kaya ‘yung pagod ko tsaka ‘yung antok, and ‘yung pinagdaanan ko, it’s all worth it with this win,” Racela expressed.
“Actually sa nilaro namin, ‘yung resulta bonus na lang, pero yung nilaro nila, sulit yung pinagdaanan ko.”
