Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beer’s Arwind Santos couldn’t find his mark in the first half, so he focused on defense.
The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP, in fact, went scoreless in the first two quarters.
Fortunately, he got his bearings going just when the Beermen needed the extra firepower to stage a comeback in the second half.
“When the second half came, I thought that I needed to help, that whenever there are open shots, I should have that confidence to shoot.”
Santos added there are other things he could contribute apart from offense, which gunner Marcio Lassiter, Import Arizona Reid, big man June Mar Fajardo, and Alex Cabagnot provided in Thursday’s victory.
In fact, he also hauled down 12 rebounds to go with an assist, two steals, and two blocks in almost 39 minutes of action.
“I know the things which would help the team. I know that what I’m doing is helping the team and even though my stats isn’t that good, I know that I don’t have to prove myself anymore,” he said.
“All I have to do is to be consistent while I’m still playing.”
Against a battle-tested squad like Rain or Shine, Santos said they need to be consistent for the rest of the series.
“Knowing Rain or Shine, we know they’re going to make a comeback and be more physical,” he said. “We should be more ready because we have the momentum. It’s up to us on how we’re going to react to them and win Game 2.”
