Rey Nambatac believes that his Rain or Shine have finally learned from their mistakes in the past, where they would build big leads early on in games only to squander them and go home empty-handed with their heads bowed.
The Elasto Painters lost hold of an 18-point lead in Game Three of their 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals versus the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday. Fortunately, they then showed composure down the stretch to eke out the 112-104 win.
“Kahit papaano, natuto na kami kung paano alagaan ang lamang namin hanggang sa matapos ang laro,” he said.
Nambatac asserted that their enjoyment of the game was the biggest factor behind their improvement. It allowed them to play their game and do all the necessary things to bag the win and keep their conference alive.
That was evident down the stretch. When the Beermen got the lead at 104-102 with 1:35 left to play, the Elasto Painters responded with 10 straight points – in which Nambatac had a hand – to finish the match.
“Hindi nga kami nag-practice kahapon kasi medyo frustrating nga ‘yung nangyari noong Game Two na we’re up by 29 points, and then natalo pa kami. Siguro yun yung way ni Coach Caloy para matanggal yung pressure sa amin.
“And then, itong game na ‘to, pinakita namin talaga na nag-enjoy kami sa game, hindi kami na-pressure, and ginawa lang talaga namin ‘yung dapat na gawin,” said the sophomore guard out of the Letran Knights program.
Nambatac himself played without pressure as well, and that led to an impressive outing for him. He finished with 22 markers on 6-of-13 shooting from the field along with three rebounds and two assists in over 25 minutes.
“Hindi ko lang pine-pressure ang sarili ko. Ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung bawat game, especially ‘tong Game Three na ‘to na, yun nga, maraming nagsasabi, win or go home. So, para sa akin, ine-enjoy ko lang,” said the 25-year-old.
“Para at least kahit papaano, andoon pa rin ako sa game, naka-focus pa rin, and andoon pa din yung rhythm ko.”
The Elasto Painters’ sights are now locked on Game Four on Friday. For Nambatac, they need to adjust on defense – especially against Chris McCullough, who dropped 51 in Game Three.
“Unstoppable talaga ‘yung import nila. So para sa amin, kailangan din namin gumawa pa ng paraan kung paano namin ma-limit ang scoring niya kasi imagine, 51 points. So, dapat sa Game Four, hindi na dapat mangyari ‘yun.”
