LUCENA, QUEZON — Meralco received a major threat during the third quarter of Game Two of its 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals battle versus Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Tuesday, as the Gin Kings were fighting back from 19 points down.
But luckily for the Bolts, they had a “magic bunot” in Nico Salva, who helped them weather the storm.
The 29-year-old forward did not see action in the series opener last Wednesday. Still, he showed no rust, immediately burying a mid-range jumper at the 8:31-mark — just moments after checking into the game.
“That was huge. ‘Yung first touch ko was an open mid-range jumper. For that to go in, for a player na hindi nakalaro the game before, that really boosts your confidence,” Salva said. “Again, I’m very thankful na-shoot yun.”
That got him going. A few possessions later, he drilled back-to-back jumpers to push Meralco’s lead up, 70-61.
The Barangay, though, managed to tie the game up at 70-all behind Justin Brownlee, but the Bolts immediately responded. And Salva had a hand in it, as his three-pointer made it a 76-72 lead for his side with 1:48 on the clock.
Salva scored all of his nine points in that period, with the spark he provided helping the Bolts get the 104-102 win.
“I felt like ‘yung defense of Ginebra was clogging inside ,so we really need to make some baskets from the outside para… To give them some space for the defense to extend. Thankfully, I was able to make some shots,” he said
But on top of it all, the Ateneo de Manila product simply feels elated to have delivered in such a grand stage. Moreover, he always makes sure to deliver for Meralco head coach Norman Black, with whom he won five UAAP championships.
“Sobrang saya ng Finals. Sabi ko sa sarili ko na this is a dream for me to play, and I’m very thankful kay Coach Norman for trusting me in this game,” said the six-year pro as this is his first Finals appearance with the Bolts.
“I’m thankful kay God because nabigyan ako ng opportunity to play in this atmosphere — Ginebra-Meralco Finals.”
