ANTIPOLO – Yeng Guiao was all praise for import Aaron Fuller who willed his way to play in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals against Magnolia despite suffering a torn cornea in his left eye.
Doubtful to play until being given the go-signal by the doctors Sunday afternoon, Fuller anchored the Elasto Painters’ inside game and finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the team’s 111-106 overtime win against the Hotshots in a game marred by a wild-and-wooly ending at the Ynares Center.
READ: RoS outlasts Magnolia in wild overtime thriller to take 2-1 lead
He was also 11-of-12 from the foul line, including the last two with eight seconds remaining in overtime that put Rain or Shine in front to stay, 109-106.
Guiao said the presence of Fuller during the game provided inspiration and encouragement to the entire Rain or Shine despite just two days removed from being poked in the eye by Magnolia big man Ian Sangalang.
“We all know what he went through. Alam naman nating kung ano yung nanyari. He was doubtful to play all the way up to this afternoon. I was just told by our trained that he was feeling a little bit better and that he wanted to play,” said the Rain or Shine coach of his 34-year-old import.
“So warrior talaga itong si Aaron. And tahimik lang siya. He plays with a big heart and he’s able to control his emotions and be able to carry our team on his shoulders. So hindi kami makakarating ditto or mananalo ng ganito kung hindi siya naglaro talaga.”
The Elasto Painters regained the lead in the best-of-five series, 2-1, and could wrap things up with another win in Game 4 on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Guiao said a suggestion was made for Fuller to wear goggles during the game, but the import refused to do so.
“Sabi niya baka mag-iba ang laro niya dahil hindi siya sanay. Kasi baka mamaya yung kabilang mata naman niya ang sundutin para mawala siya sa laro. Mahirap na,” said the veteran mentor.
“We’re very lucky we have Aaron.”
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