James Yap lived up to his Big Game billing yet again for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday night, with a vintage performance highlighted by huge shots down the stretch that gave the TNT Katropa a serious threat.
But his muffed free throws in the game’s crucial situations halted what could have been another remarkable performance for the 14-year veteran.
“Akin yun. Miss talaga,” rued Yap after the Elasto Painters’ heartbreaking 105-102 defeat to the Katropa at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, a loss that sent their card to 4-7. “Tinira ko ng maayos, kaso miss talaga.
“Akin yun. Akuin ko yun.”
The 35-year-old’s blunder came in the worst time for Rain or Shine. With the game tied at 101 — a score he also made after his three-point play — with 51.5 seconds left, Yap was sent to the line, but missed both of his shots.
The 6-foot-3 swingman had a chance to redeem himself in the game’s final five seconds. TNT was ahead, 103-101, and a foul by Ryan Reyes sent Yap again to the foul line. He could have tied things once more, but he only split his freebies.
The Katropa then came away with the three-point victory moments later.
It was another stinging defeat for Rain or Shine, as they will now head into the playoffs with back-to-back defeats. But Yap liked what he saw from his side, and he hopes that they will be able to sustain those come playoff time.
“Well at least maganda takbo ng team — maganda depensa, maganda ikot ng bola sa offense. So sana madala namin sa quarterfinals,” said the Escalante, Negros Occidental-born swingman.
In Sunday night’s loss, Yap top billed for his team with 23 markers. As a result, the two-time MVP is now just 27 points away from reaching 10,000 career points, and will become the 14th player to reach so.
But that is far from Yap’s mind, though.
“Exciting,” quipped Yap, who is now averaging 11.3 points, regarding the looming feat.
“Laro lang. ‘Di ko iniisip yun. Lahat naman ng na-achieve ko sa PBA, di ko iniisip yun. Laro lang ako.”
