On the eve of his 25th birthday, Baser Amer received the best gift he could ever ask for — a Meralco Bolts win over the Blackwater Elite in the do-or-die bout that sends them to the 2017 Governor’s Cup Semifinals.
“Isang malaking regalo para sa’kin,” said Amer — who will turn 25 years old tomorrow, September 29 — after their 104-96 victory Thursday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “Of course para din sa Meralco. Marami kaming napasaya.”
Not only that, the sophomore six-foot guard also had a scintillating outing — or in other words, a “birthday game” — that led to the win. Amer finished with 31 points — 22 in the second half — along with four rebounds and three assists.
“Sinabihan lang ako nila coach na maging aggressive ako, look to score,” said the all-time San Beda great, who also shot 65 percent, of his performance.
“Sinabihan din ako ni coach Norman [Black] na i-guide ko yung team.”
Thursday night could not be sweeter for Amer and the Bolts, as it keeps their title hopes alive. For the Davao native, the Orangemen had been hard-pressed to reign victorious tonight, since they do not want to go on vacation early.
“Ayaw na namin ulit bumalik dun na maghihintay kami — talo tapos maghihintay kami next conference, papanoorin namin yung ibang team. Nakakainggit eh, nakaka-inggit para sa’kin [yung ganun],” said the sophomore.
“Gusto namin mapunta sa next chapter naman ‘di ba, kasi masarap maglaro dun eh.”
