Like how the team has found a difficult time finding rhythm, James Yap has been struggling all conference long, shooting only 34 percent overall, and averaging 9.8 points.
Instead of letting it affect him, all-star guard bucked off the past and kept his focus on practicing his shot; against Barako Bull, Yap finally hit the stride, scoring 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including 3-for-5 from downtown.
“Bagong game ito, and the past two days nagpapractice ako ng shooting. Halos lahat kami maganda ang practice, so buti nadala namin sa laro. Nagtutulungan kaming lahat,” Yap said. “Practice lang. Practice more para madala natin lagi.”
The Star Hotshots destroyed the Barako Bull Energy, 117-89 to improve their record to 5-5 and boost their chances of making the quarterfinal.
Yap added that the teamwork and focus of the squad helped them put up a colossal performance, which may change the momentum of their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign.
“Siguro focused kaming lahat. Kapag mga ganitong game dapat talaga focused kami at nagtutulungan para maipanalo,” he said.
“Yung team namin ineemphasize namin yung defense sa pinapractice namin. Kung hindi ka dedepensa ilalabas ka. Lahat kami ‘yun naman ang sikreto.”
The Hotshots limited the Energy’s top guns in the win, with Joseph Yeo going scoreless, while JC Intal committing 6 turnovers and finishing with a minus-15 despite 14 points.
With the team fighting hard to keep the Governors’ Cup crown, Yap hopes Star can find its perfect rhythm in time for the playoffs.
“One game at a time naman kami and we want to win our remaining games. Sana [makuha na namin] kasi magpeplayoffs na so sana madala namin itong start na ito,” he shared.
