Barroca vows to step up after Game 1 blunder

MANILA, Philippines – San Mig Super Coffee’s point guard Mark Barroca vowed to make up for his endgame lapses in Game One.

The third year point guard was the one who called for the switch on defensive assignment which Paul Lee took advantage leading to Rain or Shine’s game winning play.

“Nag-call ako ng switch kay Alex (Mallari). Emergency switch kumbaga pero hindi namin dapat ginawa. Sapul talaga eh. Ang ganda ng play,” Barroca told Philstar.com.

Cone, who was visibly upset, rushed to Barroca after calling a timeout which they no longer have leading to a technical foul. Lee calmly sank the bonus which extended Rain or Shine's lead to three, 83-80, with only nine tenths of a second left. 

Sinabihan ako ni coach Tim after that play na dapat hindi na kami nag-switch pero kung hindi ko naman ginawa yun, mali-libre naman si Jeff (Chan),” Barroca explained. “Ang ganda ng play, sobrang ganda ng play.”

Prior to that, he also muffed a lay-up that could have given them the lead and possibly the victory.  The worst part is that he failed to execute Cone’s instruction which is to milk the clock until the final second.

“Ganun talaga, wala ng magawa eh. Bawi na lang next time,” Barroca said.  â€œPositive pa rin kami at hindi namin afford ma-down ng 0-2.”

Cone, however, took full responsibility of the loss protecting his prized playmaker from losing his confidence.