JEROM Lastimosa gave insight on that botched final play of Magnolia in its PBA Commissioner's Cup game against Barangay Ginebra on Friday, stating that one of the options was for him being the one to take the game tying shot.
That is provided he has an open look to the basket.
“Yung sa akin kasi kung may opportunity ako at open, puwede,” said the sophomore guard.
But with Scottie Thompson providing help defense on Nards Pinto as Lastimosa drove to the basket, the Magnolia playmaker was forced to pass the ball that led to a Norbert Torres steal, helping the Kings preserve a 91-89 win in the first Manila Clasico game this conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: RJ Abarrientos' clutch basket for Ginebra foils Magnolia ambition
Lastimosa finished with 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting and had two rebounds and two steals in the loss that sent the Hotshots tumbling to a 2-4 record after seeing their two-game winning streak snapped.
That turnover with two seconds left, ironically, was Lastimosa’s first and only one for the game.
The botched play would have been averted had import Clint Chapman cut to the basket or Mark Barroca going to the corner for an open look to the basket.
“Ang first option talaga dun kung open ako, pero hindi ako open, e. Nandun kasi si Scottie, nag help na sa ilalim,” he recalled of that final offensive play.
“Wala na din kasi akong ma bail-out pass.”
But the Hotshots are taking the loss with their heads unbowed especially after coming back from a 35-50 deficit in the first half.
Besides, there's no time to sulk as it's up for a quick turnaround when it meets the San Miguel Beermen this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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