Only a few expected the often-benched point guard Roi Sumang to unleash the animal within him on a Friday night at the Big Dome, when his Blackwater Elite took on Kevin Alas and a beefed-up NLEX Road Warriors squad.
Sumang was undoubtedly the star of the show. He erupted for a career-best 32 points, with half of it coming in the first quarter alone, on an excellent 60 percent shooting clip. He also had two boards and two dimes in 34 minutes.
And making the University of the East product’s stellar outing sweeter was the Elite’s stunning 107-106 victory over the quarterfinal-berth-seeking Road Warriors.
“Siyempre maganda yung kumpiyansa na dumating sa amin ngayon, siyempre especially ginagawa namin sa ensayo,” said Sumang of his brilliant night.
“Lalo na si Coach Leo (Isaac) sobrang focused na manalo every game.”
For two games now, the Elite’s anchor has been none other than import Henry Walker. But for Sumang, he is also thanking teammate and veteran guard Denok Miranda, for the constant reminders and guidance he gives.
“Para sa akin si Kuya Denok talaga, kasi siya yung laging nagpapaalala sa’kin, lalo na ‘pag down na parang wala na, siya yung unang lalapit sa akin,” shared Sumang about Miranda.
“Kumbaga siya yung tatay ko sa court.”
The performance he had was nothing but outstanding — he was the first player, drafted third round or later, to score that much since PJ Simon in 2010. However, the 2013 draftee still believes that there is still a lot of work for him to do.
“Para sa akin madami pa akong kulang,” Sumang admitted.
“Siguro sustain ko lang yung ganyang game, parang almost wala akong error. Yun siguro magiging maganda yung game.”
