Michael Qualls was a major factor in NorthPort’s obliteration of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel by 34 points in Game One of their 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal clash last Saturday.
There, he had 38 big points, including 27 in the first half alone that also saw him match the Gin Kings’ 17-point output in the second period, where the Batang Pier pulled away en route to the 120-94 win.
But there was no repeat of that in Game Two two nights later, as Qualls was far from his high-scoring ways.
The American cager, who was averaging 34.6 points prior to Monday’s contest, only made 20 points — 17 of which came just in the second half — on a dismal 8-of-26 shooting from the field.
Worse, the Batang Pier suffered a harsh 88-113 beating, sending the best-of-five series to a 1-1 deadlock.
Asked if the Barangay’s defense was a factor, Qualls said it was on him, that he should’ve made the open shots he got.
“I just got to hit my open shots. I was getting wide-open shots, I just got to make them,” said the 25-year-old guard, who shot 46.7-percent from the floor back in the series opener.
The Batang Pier as a whole struggled on offense as well. For Qualls, they should be more patient with their attacking plays next time.
“We should take our time on offense. Even when I’m getting denied, we can still get the ball in the last five, seven seconds and I can be able to create,” said the six-year pro.
As for himself, Qualls vowed that he will come out much better come Game Three on Wednesday.
“The team depends on me to score. I have to score the ball to put us in a better situation, and then everybody else will follow suit. I have to play with more energy. Just got to be a leader.”
