TURNING POINT
Coming off a 41-point loss, Meralco’s Gary David knew that losing was never an option come their next game against NLEX.
“Yung mindset lang namin, makabawi sa pangit na pagkatalo sa Alaska,” he said. “Sabi ni coach Norman (Black), yung tanging way para makalimutan ng tao yung ganung pagkatalo ay manalo sa susunod na games. Kaya yun ang ginawa namin, pinaghandaan naming mabuti yung NLEX.”
And prepare well they did, as the Bolts raced off the gates and held off the Road Warriors, 90-75, on Wednesday.
Struggling for the first three games of the conference, the Bataan marksman also knew that he had to make a move if he wants to help the Bolts reach the playoffs.
That’s why in this particular game, he got over his slump and logged 23 points and five assists in the win.
David hopes that this good performance will be the turning point for him this tournament.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy kasi yung last game talaga, na-mention ako ni coach Norman na kailangan kong lumaro ng maayos para makalayo kami at makapunta kami sa gusto naming puntahan. Yung usual na laro ko, ilaro ko lang. Yun ang challenge nya sa akin,” he said.
The Gilas gunner attributed his struggles to his conditioning.
“Siguro iba yung pakiramdam ko sa last three games ko. Wala pa ako sa kundisyon, di ko pa nakuha yung hangin, kaya sa practice namin, talagang winork out ko lang,” said David.
“Pinagtrabahuan ko rin yung shooting kasi galing sa Gilas na di naman ganun karaming minutes yung nakuha ko, kaya bumabawi lang ako.” (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
