SIDNEY Onwubere's red-hot shooting couldn't have come at a better time for Racal.
Not really known for his shooting, Onwubere sizzled with 24 points on 5-of-10 shooting from rainbow country in the Tile Masters' 88-86 win over Cafe France in Game One of the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
In fact, it was his triple as time expired that allowed the Tile Masters to draw first blood in the best-of-three series.
While his explosion was a result of the extra work he puts in during practice, Onwubere attributed his sterling performance to his coaches, who have given their full trust in his capabilities.
[See Sydney Onwubere's game-winning trey puts Racal on cusp of Apsirants Cup finals]
"Sobrang laki ng kumpyansa na binibigay nila. Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa coaching staff ng Racal, pinagaling nila ako," said Onwubere, a Fil-Nigerian who was born and raised in Cavite.
"Every timeout, yung mga coaches ko mino-motivate ako, 'Sid, if you have an open look itira mo, para sayo yan.' Sabi ko pag nakuha ko to, okay magi-improve ako. Pero sabi nila kung di ako titira walang mangyayari kahit practice ako ng practice.”
"Nag-step up lang ako. Nung third quarter, nakaka-shoot talaga ako, kaya sabi ko (nung last play) 'I'll take this shot," he added.
Onwubere is hoping he can step up anew in Game Two on Thursday as the Tile Masters look to finish off the Bakers.