Jayson David became the hero for Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling showdown against Rain or Shine in the PBA On Tour on Sunday.
The 26-year-old displayed remarkable maturity as he scored the Kings’ last four points, leading his team to a comeback victory and handing the previously unbeaten Elasto Painters their first loss in the preseason tournament.
“It’s a good feeling, ‘yung pagkakataon na ako ‘yung mag-take over sa last seconds na ‘yun, at ma-shoot ko ‘yung dalawang layup,” he said moments after emerging from the team’s dugout at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
David initially struggled in the early stages of the fourth quarter, missing two shots and committing a turnover, which led to him being substituted out at the 8:34 mark.
However, coach Richard del Rosario brought him back into the game when Nards Pinto experienced cramps with just 1:49 left on the clock, and Ginebra was trailing.
This turned out to be an opportunity for David to seize. The Barangay began their comeback from a six-point deficit, with Jeremiah Gray igniting the much-needed spark with a stepback three-pointer to cut the lead in half.
Then it was time for the Lyceum product to shine. With an open lane, he drove straight to the basket for a layup, bringing the game to within one point.
(C) PBA Images
“Actually, hindi sa’kin ‘yun eh,” he said when asked about the play. “Ako lang ‘yung ball handler at that time. E wala akong nakita na libre, naka-deny yung shooter namin, si Von [Pessumal]; si Miah, naka-deny. Nakita ko open lane, so layup na.”
After witnessing Gray grab the rebound from Andrei Caracut’s missed jumper, David quickly sprinted to the other end of the court and scored the go-ahead bucket with only 2.1 seconds remaining.
“‘Yung winning shot… na-rebound ni Miah — nakita ko rebound na niya e, so takbo na ‘ko,” recalled David with a grin.
David received immense praise from the partisan crowd that filled the venue, making it one of his best nights as a professional player.
But what made it even more special for him was that his family was present to witness his endgame heroics.
“Sobrang saya ko, sakto nanonood ‘yung magulang ko, tsaka ‘yung baby ko at ‘yung fiancee ko,” said David.
“Sumakto.”
