With the game – perhaps the season – in the balance, Jerom Lastimosa knew when to release the ball at just the right moment.
The 5-foot-10 court general made the crucial passes to Lenda Douanga and Vince Magbuhos. The two converted the crucial baskets Adamson University needed to defeat De La Salle University, 86-84, in overtime.
Douanga leveled the forced overtime with a three to make it 79-79. Then Magbuhos sank the triple in the extended period, which the Green Archers failed to overturn both times.
“It’s nice that Jerom made that pass to Lenda, because previously he was forcing a lot of possessions na may kasama na siyang nalilibre,” said Adamson coach Nash Racela.
“He just needed to just really give up the ball. It’s nice that sa huli, binitawan mo kaya naka-shoot si Lenda.”
“Ako kasi, akala ko ibabalik (ni Lenda) sa akin kasi pinasa ko na. Yun pala, tinira niya, so malakas loob,” explained Lastimosa.
“I think not only si Lenda, but also si Vince. Sabi ni coach na kailangan ko i-give up yung bola kase madaming open. Ginawa ko siya sa crucial situation.”
The Dumaguete native produced 29 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. However, he also had eight turnovers in 34:35 minutes of action. He might be the Soaring Falcons’ ace, but he is not infallible in terms of making mistakes on the court.
Still, his timely interventions might have just saved the Soaring Falcons’ postseason hopes.
“Super saya namin kasi yun nga we’re coming from two losses,” said Lastimosa.
“Napakaimportante ng game na to para sa amin kasi yun nga, pag manalo kami against La Salle, siguro we’re up doon sa dalawang teams, which are UE and La Salle.”
What makes this win over the Green Archers sweeter is that it sort of redeemed the Soaring Falcons after they failed to finish the job against UP in the last time they played in an overtime game.
They just showed that learnings from losses can be applied – and what a time to do so.
“Sabi ng mga coaches na magiging number four kami. And then parang thoughts ko lang sa game na ‘to ay parang nag-flashback sa akin yung UP game, kasi nag-overtime kami dun,” said Lastimosa.
“Lesson learned namin yun kasi pangalawang overtime ngayon. Talagang hindi kami nag-give up at walang bumitaw sa amin.”
