FELIX Lemetti felt dejected after Rain or Shine lost for the first time in the PBA Governors’ Cup behind June Mar Fajardo’s buzzer-beating basket for San Miguel, 113-112, on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Heartbroken,” the Fil-Swedish rookie said with a smile when asked about the dramatic, endgame loss. “After coming back like that as a team, made some stops, made some big shots, and then lose like that, it’s tough.”
“But if we’re going to lose anyway, then let it be on a shot like that.”
READ Fajardo's buzzer-beater for SMB breaks Rain or Shine's heart
The victory spoiled the career-night for Rain or Shine's No. 8 overall pick in the last PBA draft, who finished with a team-high 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point range.
He was actually just three seconds away from being the hero for Rain or Shine when he sank all four free throws after being fouled by Chris Ross while in the act of shooting from the four-point arc to suddenly put the Elasto Painters on top, 112-111, after trailing by as many as 12 late in the third period.
But Fajardo saved the day for the Beermen when his midrange jumper bounced in after hitting the rim, ending a perfect 4-0 start for the Elasto Painters who nonetheless kept hold of the top spot in Group B.
Lemetti said he was anticipating a San Miguel foul in Rain or Shine’s final play, although he wasn’t aware he was in the four-point arc when he made the shot.
“The usual play in basketball is when you’re up three, you want to foul and give them two free throws. And I realized they’re going to do that. And once I saw him (Ross) reach in, I just put in the shot,” he recalled of that crucial play.
“I didn’t realize it was four, and so after a while, I remember. And that’s what happened.”
While he felt a little bit pressure, the rookie proved he has ice in his veins by knocking down all four freebies.
“I’m hearing the crowd and everything. But once I get my routine, its kind like of a muscle memory,” he said.
Lemetti finished 7-of-8 from the foul line.
The rookie said it was a great experience playing competitive against a champion team like San Miguel, which Rain or Shine gets to meet again on Sept. 19.
Lemetti longs for revenge
Lemetti is certainly looking forward to Round 2 against the Beermen.
“I think it’s such a good thing to play a good team like San Miguel. We get to see them again, hopefully, when we get a run to the playoffs. Just getting used to guarding June Mar and their import,” said the Fil-Swede.
“Getting that first taste of it, hopefully we can practice to get better as a team, as a whole. And next time give them a better fight. Hopefully, not lose that way, and hopefully not get into that last shot.”
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