AIR21 rookie Eliud Poligrates said he considers the Express’ fourth-quarter meltdown against San Miguel Beer a learning experience.
The Express wasted an 18-point advantage and allowed the Beermen to outscore them, 38-12, in the final quarter on the way to a 93-85 win on Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The 5-8 Poligrates was a picture of frustration at the end of the game, putting the blame on himself for failing to steady the Express' ship when San Miguel was making its run in the fourth quarter.
“Dapat kasi sa fourth quarter iha-handle ko 'yun. Eh nagkagulo. So iyun (backcourt leadership) ang dapat ko matutunan,” said the Cebuano guard.
The former Southwestern University guard was coming off an impressive near double-double performance of 13 points and nine rebounds in Air21’s 82-87 loss to Rain or Shine last Monday.
But against the pesky defense of San Miguel guard Chris Ross, Poligrates could only finish with four points and one assist in 24 minutes while turning the ball over twice during the Beermen's comeback.
Poligrates said he will learn from the experience.
“Iyung pagkakamali namin sa fourth quarter, nabaligtad eh. Kasi dapat kami ang nagpe-pressure. Eh kami ang na-pressure,” rued the 28th overall rookie pick of Talk ‘N Text last year.
“Ganun talaga takbo sa laro, sa susunud bawi na lang.”
The Express finished their single-round eliminations with a 3-6 (win-loss) card, their position in the playoffs now hinging on the Ginebra-Rain or Shine match on Easter Sunday.
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