With 7.6 seconds left on the game clock, the National University Bulldogs were down 88-89 against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. JV Gallego had the ball in his hands and the chance to win the game for Jamike Jarin’s squad.
The Chiang Kai Shek College alumnus attacked the Fighting Maroons’ defense and had the basket within reach, only to kick the ball out to an open Dave Ildefonso, who ran out of time to even attempt a shot.
“Sabi lang ako na kumuha ng bola so atake ako, left, and then ‘pag may nag-collapse, it’s normal, kick it out. Open ako pero nakita ko si Dave na open,” recounted Gallego.
The 5-foot-10 immediately went down to the floor and was inconsolable as his teammates and coaches picked him up from the ground, while UP and their fans celebrated a victory that they nearly gave away inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Siyempre nung pagka-buzzer, sad pero alam ko yung mga teammates ko niyakap nila ako eh. Nandiyan sila para sa akin,” narrated the second year cager.
“Malungkot, pero happy pa rin ako kasi we’re getting there.”
It was a tough ending for Gallego.
He produced a career high of 13 points alongside three rebounds and four assists for the Bulldogs, but his late error overshadowed his contributions to the NU cause.
“Kailangan mag-step up kasi yung starting point guard namin si Enzo (Joson) medyo wala siya, medyo off siya today. So pagkabinunot ako ni coach (Jamike Jarin), talagang ready lang talaga dapat. Sa tulong ni God nakapag-perform ako nang maayos at (nakuha) ko yung confidence ko,” explained Gallego, who had to sit out last season due to academics.
“Siguro maging aware lang sa oras at sa time. Maging matured na sa susunod na games and maging composed lang din.”
Gallego was simply disappointed his role in the endgame but felt he and his teammates gave State U a great fight. He insisted, “Kung meron lang half-second na natira, siguro we could have won the game. Pero we played good naman talaga.”
Any ill feelings toward Gallego from his teammates and coaches were non-existent after the game. Every member from the Bulldogs camp told him to keep his head up, and he is grateful for their support.
“Actually nung pagka-buzzer, nakita niyo naman lahat sila pumunta sa akin talaga.
“Kasi iyak talaga ako pero nandun sila lahat lalo na si Issa (Gaye) at si Dave Yu, captain ball namin. Sobrang laking tulong nila for me,” he shared.
NU have now lost five straight games after their opening day win over the University of Santo Tomas. Thankfully for Gallego and his squad, they still have time on their side to turn things around.
“Siguro yung five losses namin, makikita mo naman kada talo namin, may nag-improve sa (performance) namin. Siguro sa game vs UE, mas ready kami,” he admitted.
“Mas gusto namin manalo and by second round siguro, mas eager na kami and mas dapat nila kaming respect and maging unpredictable kami sa second round.”
