IT was one nightmare of a game for Converge guard Aljun Melecio.
The third-year guard ended up scoreless in a 99-98 heartbreaker against Phoenix on Saturday in a game which saw him uncharacteristically miss three straight free throws in the final 1:21 and the outcome of the game very much on the line.
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Melecio couldn't even believe it himself.
"Kahit ako hindi ko akalain na hindi ko masu-shoot. Mabigat para sa akin," said Melecio as he walked his way out of the Philsports Arena, the hood of his sweatshirt hiding his head.
"Mahirap, parang [masamang] panaginip."
In all, Melecio was 0-of-13 from the field, the last of his missed shot coming in the final play of the game as he failed to convert a baseline jumper that could have won it for the 0-5 FiberXers.
But it was those missed free throws that haunted him the most.
Fouled by Tyler Tio while going for a three-pointer, Melecio went to the stripe with a chance to tie the game Converge trailed at that point, 95-92.
Horror misses
But to his horror, he missed all three free throws despite having a good percentage shooting from the foul line.
"First time na nangyari sa career ko ito, kaya nakakagulat," said the distraught guard.
Coach Aldin Ayo tried to console him during the timeout that followed, but Melecio knew the damage has been done.
"Sabi niya (Ayo) bawi na lang. Pero alam ko sa sarili ko hindi nangyayari yun," he added.
"Ganda ng free throws ko last few games, kaya ini-expect mo na makapasok man lang kahit isa."
But it is what it is, according to Melecio.
"Ganun talaga, e," he added.
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