Struggling on the offensive end in the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Philippine Cup quarterfinal clash with the Magnolia Hotshots on Wednesday night, Scottie Thompson decided to do what he does best: hauling down boards.
The four-year pro out of Perpetual Help eventually collected a career-best of 19 rebounds. He also eclipsed his previous personal record of 18 which he set in the 2017 Philippine Cup Finals where they battled San Miguel Beer.
“Wala kasi akong ibang magawa eh.
“‘Di ako maka-shoot kaya tinry ko na lang mag-hustle. Wala na akong ibang pwedeng gawin,” said the 6-foot-1 Thompson, who only went 1-of-11 from the field. His lone made shot came from beyond the arc.
But he can’t smile even with such feat.
Thompson’s efforts went for naught as the Gin Kings got handled by Paul Lee and the Hotshots, 72-85. The loss ended their campaign in the all-Filipino tilt, where they headed into the quarterfinals as the third-seeded team.
It was even more difficult for the Barangay since they drew first blood, only to blow their advantage in the endgame.
“Nakaka-frustrate siyempre. Lahat kami down,” said Thompson, who finished with seven assists, three points, and three steals in over 43 minutes. “Para sa kanila talaga.
“From the start, outplayed kami, so congrats sa kanila.”
But as painful as this loss is, the native of Davao del Sur said that they can only move on.
The crowd darlings now have enough time to prepare for the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup in May, where they will look to extend their reign as the kings of the import-laced, mid-season joust for the second consecutive year.
“Ang pinaka-best na gawin is learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward,” said Thompson, the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Most Valuable Player.
“Marami pa namang conference, marami pa kaming chance.”
