With limited space to work with, things can get chippy in a 3×3 basketball game. And that’s what happened between the Alec Stockton and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws played catch-up for most of the game. Because of this, Stockton – a second-year guard – did all he could to get his team back into the game.
“Yeah, I just try to give my best effort to give my team a chance to win and just fill the role for that, because not everyone wants to do it,” the 6-foot-3 Filipino-American guard shared.
And his efforts included getting a little bit physical with the Maroons.
First off, Stockton was able to draw two unsportsmanlike fouls against Ricci Rivero with 50 seconds left in the game. In addition, the two stalwarts figured in a confrontation.
But for Stockton, it was all part of the nature of this sport.
“He probably just got emotional.
“I don’t blame him though, it’s a physical game. That’s what happens when you play 3×3 basketball,” expressed Stockton.
Still, FEU failed to come out with a win, falling 11-13.
After the game, Juan Gomez de Liano made sure to let Stockton know that his team lost, telling the Tamaraw to leave the court.
But Stockton felt no resentment against the Fighting Maroons after the game, saying that they had the right to do whatever they want since they were the victors.
“I mean, he won the game, so I give him props for doing that. But I don’t know… It’s part of the game. When you win, you get bragging rights,” he said.
“You don’t have to do anything extra but if you win, you can do whatever you want.”
And if a similar situation occurs happens, Stockton will continue to take the high road, knowing that it’s all about getting the win in the sport he chose.
“We just try to do the best that we can. Nothing extra, we don’t throw punches or anything but just play hard and be competitive. That’s about it.”