MARK Barroca celebrated his 40th birthday on Saturday, but a Magnolia loss to Rain or Shine proved a dampener for the birthday boy.
Barroca tallied nine points, four rebounds, and six assists in the Hotshots' 91-82 loss to the Elasto Painters, but he was left to rue two of his four turnovers that came during a crucial moment of the PBA Commissioner's Cup game.
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The two errors were errant passes that led to Gian Mamuyac lay-up and a Mamuyac assist to Adrian Nocum that gave Rain or Shine a 73-70 lead.
“Sobrang sakit ng birthday,” said Barroca. “Talo, dun pa sa huli. Yung mga turnovers namin especially ako. Nag-turnover ako ng dalawang beses. Malaking bagay yun. Na-control namin sila ng tatlong quarters sabi nga ni coach, pero it's not enough na tatlong quarters lang.”
“Sayang lang. Control namin 'yung game. Sa huli lang, parang minalas lang. Sa amin na yun. Turnover talaga,” said Barroca.
But looking at the bigger picture, Barroca said he feels blessed to be able to play quality basketball at his age. He is only the fourth active player in the PBA that is his 40s, joining Kelly Williams of TNT (44), Chris Ross of San Miguel (41), and Raymond Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra (40).
“Sobrang blessed lang. Salamat sa Panginoon na nakapag-compete pa rin ako ng high level basketball sa PBA. Salamat sa Panginoon na binibigyan Niya ako ng lakas na makipag-battle sa mga bata,” said Barroca.
He has no plans of slowing down after playing his 639th consecutive game of his career on Saturday.
“Good health lang, hindi tayo magkasakit,” said Barroca. “Basta maglaro lang ako, kung kaya ko pa, sige pa. Kung hindi na, tigil na. Ngayon, kayang kaya. Alaga lang sa katawan.”
Barroca said he is grateful for all the support he and his team have received from fans since he became part of the Magnolia franchise in 2011.
“Sorry sa mga fans natin. Laking boost sana kung manalo kami (vs. Rain or Shine). Sobrang sakit especially ako. Nakakainis nga. Naiinis ako. Sorry talaga,” said Barroca.
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