UP against an FEU team fueled by its ‘Be Brave’ mantra, it was UE’s Ethan Galang who took the bravest shots of all.
The 23-year-old Fil-American sophomore put the Red Warriors on his back in the final 80 seconds of play with a third straight loss seemingly imminent.
READ: Clutch Ethan Galang shoots UE over FEU, into UAAP Season 87 win column
Galang’s back-to-back treys would turn a three-point hole to a three-point edge and, eventually, a late 56-51 escape from trailing by as much as 10 in the home stretch.
And in the end, he had the biggest hand in exorcising the ghosts of UE’s regrettable 0-2 start in UAAP Season 87.
No fear
One might never be ready for such moments of glory, but when Galang had two of the biggest moments of his young UE career to date, he made sure he knew just what to do.
The two secrets behind his heroic final act? Faith in God and faith in himself.
“I wouldn't say I'm not that brave. But you know, I have faith in God. He's always got my back. No fear,” Galang told SPIN.ph.
“I always prepare (for those late-game moments). Those big shots are what every player wants to feel, so I just keep shooting and eventually, I know they'll go in.”
Up to the four
From starting his rookie year as a bonafide playmaker, Galang moved up to the power forward role for Season 87.
It wasn’t an easy transition by any means as his offseason involved gaining muscle and sharpening his agility.
“Last year, I was a guard. And then this year, I put on some muscle and moved up to the 4. So, it's just got to keep my legs more agile than the fours and keep up with the guards,” he said.
And one more thing he’s eager to keep up with? The rest of the UAAP field as UE, after all it has gained and lost on its squad these past few months, is keen to put up its biggest fight yet.
“I’m definitely getting more confident. This year, we have a lot of new guys. They look up to me and I just got to keep my head up, stay strong for them,” said Galang, who bared his eagerness to stand firm at the forefront of the Red Warriors’ resurgence.
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