Brian Heruela and Gabby Espinas were two of the unsung heroes of the San Miguel Beermen's 111-87 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, playing instrumental roles in a telling fourth quarter pullaway that came with June Mar Fajardo watching from the bench.
Heruela scored eight of his 11 points in the payoff period while Espinas was consistent on both ends for nine points, two rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes, giving coach Leo Austria the luxury of not only resting Fajardo but also Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot.
"Coach told us, the guys at the bench has to stay ready," said Heruela, whose production has gone up since Game 2 when he made 10 points in the 92-77 win. "We're trying to contribute whichever way we can on the floor. Our guys' mindset is to make stops.
"Good thing we were able to execute, put some points on the board and contribute to our team," added Fajardo's former collegiate teammate at the University of Cebu.
Their production came amid another solid outing from Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, who has emerged as San Miguel's sixth man with five points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Sponsored content: Espinas had perhaps the best performance this conference after averaging 3.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13.1 minutes entering the best-of-seven title showdown.
He also joined hands with the likes of Fajardo, Arwind Santos, and for a brief moment, Billy Mamaril in limiting Sangalang to just six points on 2-of-10 shooting for his worst output of the finals.
"Yun talaga ang pinakamahirap kasi minsan papawisan ka pa lang, bigla ka na ilalabas," said Espinas, referring to the sparring minutes he had since joining the Beermen in 2015. "Pero part of the job na lang siguro kasi gusto namin pare-parehas manalo.
"As one of the veterans, siguro dapat prepared ka na sa mga ganitong laban e. Bubunutin ka ngayon tapos next game wala, kailangan talaga yung mindset mo, hindi ka man gamitin ngayon, ready ka pa rin," he added. (JT)
