Baser Amer drew two quick fouls about four minutes into Game Two of Meralco’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals battle with Barangay Ginebra on Friday, forcing coach Norman Black to sub him out and put Nard Pinto in.
Pinto’s time on the court started rough, though. He immediately committed a turnover after the ball hit his leg while dribbling. The opposition then stole the loose ball, and Scottie Thompson turned that into two points through a lay-up.
“Na-frustrate ako … kasi unang pasok ko pa lang, first possession, nag-error ako,” lamented the 5-foot-11 guard.
Still, he did not falter, instead telling himself to simply wake up and make up for that error. And he did just that.
Pinto caught fire and nailed a total of four treys in the first quarter alone, helping the Bolts establish a 36-21 lead.
“Parang inano ko na ‘yung sarili ko na, ‘Uy, gising.’ Siyempre kailangan nating tumulong sa team. ‘Yun naman ang kailangan natin para makatulong sa team,” said Pinto, who had signed with Meralco prior to the start of the season.
The former Arellano University Chiefs stalwart admitted to feeling a tad surprised with his performance early on. Still, he added that he has been working extra hours on the gym shooting and that he had just reaped the benefits.
“Nagulat, pero sa practice naman ginagawa ko talaga everyday.
“‘Di naman sa pagaano pero nagshu-hooting ako before ng practice, kaya siguro na-ano ko rin ‘yung ginagawa ko before practice,” said the 29-year-old.
Pinto was unable to score again after his first quarter explosion, though. But that did not matter to him, since he only wanted his squad to reign victorious — and thankfully, the Bolts escaped the Gin Kings, 104-102.
“Sabi ko kahit ‘di na ‘ko maka-shoot, basta manalo lang. Dasal ako ng dasal dun sa ano kasi must-win eh. Kailangan naming manalo para ma-tie ‘yung series. Mahirap na kasi ‘pag na 2-0 kami,” said Pinto, who also had four assists and two rebounds.
Asked if he can keep this level of play of his as the best-of-seven series moves forward, Pinto made no promises. He instead said that he and his fellow bench players will always be ready whenever their names get called.
The Bolts’ bench mob was definitely a key factor in Game Two, outscoring their counterparts, 29 to 12. And aside from Pinto, Meralco also received significant contributions from Nico Salva and Anjo Caram.
“Basta ako ready lang ako lagi. Kasi nung Game One, kaya siguro natalo kami, kasi ‘yung second group wala talagang naitulong. So ngayon lahat naman kami si Nico, si Anjo nagtulong-tulong kami para makuha namin ‘yung panalo.”
