It was brave of Rich Guinitaran to deliver in crunch time for the CEU Scorpions against the veteran-laden Che’lu Bar and Grill Revellers in Game Two of the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup semis, Monday night. And it came after coach Derrick Pumaren expressed his frustration after “some players did not show up” last Tuesday.
The lanky forward broke the 76-all tie with a cold-blooded triple with 42 seconds left to play, and he was also the one who secured the defensive rebound moments later, leading to his freebies that sealed their 83-78 victory.
With the 19-year-old cager’s heroics, the Scorpions have pushed the best-of-three series to the limit.
“Sa isip ko, ititira ko na lang ‘to. Bahala na, win or lose. Kay Lord ko na ipinaubaya,” said Guinitaran, who finished the match with 20 points – half of which came in the fourth quarter alone – along with six rebounds.
One of those left in awe of Guinitaran’s deliverance was Scorpions general manager and acting head coach Derrick Pumaren.
“I was contemplating who to put out there, and we decided to put Rich. Rich was non-existent last game, but tonight he was able to deliver,” said the veteran strategist. “You have to give it to him.
“He’s fighting out there.”
But for Guinitaran, his game-saving actions were just a result of his eagerness to deliver for his team, as he serves as one of their seniors. Guinitaran is currently in his fourth year in the Scorpions’ program.
“Ako yung inaasahan ng team ko. Sabi nga ng boss ko, ako na yung pinakamatagal, dapat mag-step up ako,” said the third-year Business Management major.
“Do-or-die na, kaya binigay namin best namin.”
