SAN JOSE, Batangas – Meralco rookie Brandon Bates was an unlikely hero in the Bolts’ Game Seven victory over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
Bates had six points and a team-high 13 rebounds in the Bolts’ 78-69 win over the Gin Kings at the FPJ Arena to help his team reach the finals.
READ Meralco boots out Ginebra in Game 7, makes PBA Finals vs SMB
The former La Salle player also made a huge impact on defense, blocking six shots - a team-high for the Bolts.
Bates did it all while taking on the unenviable task of guarding Christian Standhardinger, who had 16 points and eight rebounds but struggled on 6-of-17 shooting from the field and 4-of-12 from the free throw line.
Bates was shocked when informed by reporters about his six blocks.
“I had six blocks? That’s great. I felt vindicated,” said Bates, who added he only followed what the Meralco coaching staff told them to do before the game.
“Honestly, before the game, we were told to play brave, and I didn’t want to go home. You know what, I’m going to play brave and make sure that we don’t go home,” said Bates.
When asked to elaborate why he felt vindicated, Bates said: “I think a lot of people see me as useless especially offensively. It’s good that I was able to prove my worth.”
The 6-foot-8 Bates said he put a lot of effort in preparing for his match-up against Standhardinger.
“I watched a lot of video. I semi-know his moves. That’s half the battle,” said Bates.
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