MANILA, Philippines – James Yap was a picture of frustration after losing Game One of the Best-of-Seven PBA Governors’ Cup Finals to the Petron Blaze Boosters, 100-84.
Yap was bottled up by Petron’s defense going scoreless in the first three quarters on 0-of-6 shooting. The former two-time MVP was still able to finish with eight points on two field goals and four free throws in the fourth quarter but the Boosters exploded for 41 points to run away with the rout.
Yap was lost for words to describe their lackluster play.
“Hindi ko alam eh. Paano ba?,†Yap retorted back to reporters asking what happened in the fourth quarter of Game One.
“Kailangan namin talagang ma-stop ang mga shooters nila. Kailangang i-work out namin ang defense namin dahil ang dami nilang scorers eh,†Yap told reporters while he was dressing up in the locker room after Friday night’s game.
Unknown to many, Yap was bothered by the flu he sustained three days prior to Game One. But the San Mig Coffee superstar isn’t the kind to have that as an excuse for his poor play in the series opener.
“Walang excuse-excuse pagdating sa Finals,†Yap said. “Bawi na lang. Bounce back na lang [sa Game 2].â€