BLACKWATER game-hero Paul Zamar deflected the credit to Henry Walker after a 94-91 win over Meralco, saying he merely heeded the advice of the Elite import.
Zamar made the marginal three-pointer on offense and the big block on the other end as the Elite atoned for a loss to NLEX in their last outing and improved to 5-1 (win-loss).
Zamar, who also hit a three late in overtime to keep Blackwater’s head above water in a win over Barangay Ginebra, said he took to heart Walker's advice as the Elite battled back from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter.
“Kasi ini-stress ni Henry nung last two minutes and even mid-fourth na wala na kayong ibang gagawin kundi pag tanggap ng bola, itira. Huwag na mag-hesitate kasi once na mag-hesitate, dun kayo nagkakaroon ng mistakes and bad decisions,” said Zamar.
“Nakinig lang ako sa mga sinabi ng mga coaches at teammates ko,” he added.
As important as the marginal trey was Zamar’s chasedown block on Anjo Caram that preserved a one-point lead by Blackwater.
“All effort na lang kasi kesa ibigay mo ‘yung wide-open layup, ma-foul o ma-block mo, at least nandoon ka, binigay mo ‘yung effort mo. Luckily, inabot,” said Zamar.
Zamar said Blackwater has been putting more work on defense following its loss to NLEX.
“’Yung identity namin is we are not a high-scoring team. We are not as talented as most of the teams in the PBA. Our identity is defense and intensity. Nung fourth quarter, nalabas namin ‘yung character na ‘yun.
"Hopefully in the coming games, hindi na namin kailangan hintayin ‘yung fourth quarter. Whole game dapat ready kami to play defense and bring out the intensity.”