MANILA, Philippines - The opener of the PBA Philippine Cup finals was not about the X’s and O’s of basketball.
It’s a tale of Ryan Reyes winning the game for a departed younger brother and Jay Washington losing it out of his over-eagerness to win.
Reyes churned out a steady game while Washington cramped out as Talk n Text repulsed San Miguel Beer, 91-82, in Game One of their titular showdown at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center in Victorias, Negros Occidental Saturday.
“My brother was a big loss for me. We’re close growing up,” said Reyes, who played Game One with the news that younger brother Allan Raymond was killed in a car accident in the US.
“With the way Ryan came out despite the loss of his brother is inspiring,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.
The hard-nosed Fil-Am guard promised to help Talk n Text make it 2-0 in the series before he leaves to attend his brother’s burial. He’ll miss Game Three.
Reyes knocked in two big treys and totaled 13 points. He also had four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 26 minutes of action.
Reyes and the Texters pulled through with the help of the other team – Washington playing only nine minutes in the final half due to cramps.
“Obviously, I wanted to win the game. This is what I live for. For me to be taken out because of that is really frustrating,” said Washington.
“It was a neck-and-neck battle then we lost Jay. He’s a big part of the team and he’s out on cramps. That’s the story of the game,” said SMB chief playmaker Alex Cabagnot.
“He’s over-eager. He should have just gone with the flow and played his regular rhythm,” said SMB coach Ato Agustin.
Washington, not hiding a great desire to beat his former team, went hard from the start, challenging almost all the shots taken by Talk n Text near him.
“It had never happened before. If anything, it’s about how hot it was. I was feeling good. I thought I was ready to go 30 points. It’s really frustrating,” said Washington.
“That’s really the story of the game. If he were there, he would defend, get the rebounds and pile up points. Breaks of the game,” said Cabagnot.
Nonetheless, Washington’s determination remains strong.
He’s looking forward to the next two games, hoping to get San Miguel ahead at 2-1.
“I’ll be more determined in the next two games,” said Washington.