FOR a change, Arvie Bringas emerged the hero this time.
The controversial big man who earned a bad boy reputation during his playing years with Far Eastern University in the UAAP, was the unlikely star in Big Chill’s stunning victory over multi-titled NLEX in their PBA D-League Foundation Cup showdown on Tuesday.
The wide-bodied bruiser, suspended both by the UAAP and the Tamaraws for a game last season for spitting on an opponent among other transgressions, broke the Road Warriors' backs by pouring in 19 big points including a late, game-changing four-point play.
“Wala, tsamba lang,” Bringas as he played down the crucial shot that made the difference in Big Chill's 86-77 win over the four-time champions.
Though more of an inside operator, Bringas said he was confident when he took the game-clinching three-point shot as he admitted working on his outside shots in practice.
“Shot clock na rin, wala na talaga, kailangan ko na itira,” said Bringas, who was cut by the Tamaraws at the end of last season. “Eh ginagawa ko naman ‘yun sa practice.”
Bringas ended up scoring 12 of the team’s final 13 points as he left a host of the league's star players, including members of his own team, in the shade.
“Siyempre, parang napakalaking (bagay) sa akin ‘yun. Hindi ko rin ini-expect na masu-shoot ‘yun,” said Bringas.
The former junior standout from San Sebastian said he is more determined more than ever to play a key role for Big Chill this conference.
“Gusto ko rin bumawi kasi hindi nakapasok ang Big Chill sa Finals last conference,” said Bringas.
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