February 25, 2017

Espinas, ready to answer when SMB calls his number

The San Miguel Beermen showed Ginebra how stronger they can be when their bench players heed the call to step up.

One of which was veteran Gabby Espinas, who tallied 16 points, four boards, a block and a steal in the 22 minutes of playing time given to him by coach Leo Austria.

“Lagi naman ako ready palagi. Kasi nga, isa na ako sa mga beterano sa team. Kailangan lagi ka nag-step up kasi nakakahiya naman kung ikaw pa magkakalat sa loob,” said Espinas.

With the stellar play of Espinas leading the bench contribution, the Beermen's starters were given a chance to rest. A situation that can be advantageous for their team as the series continue to progress.

Along with RR Garcia, Espinas is perceived by his teammates as the first man from the bench who can give the team the needed boost while their starters are resting.

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“Hindi naman siguro,” humbly replied by Espinas after hearing the compliments of this teammates.

“Sinasabi lang naman nila yun pero wala naman eh. June Mar (Fajardo), Awind (Santos), Alex (Cabagnot), (Marcio) Lassiter at Chris Ross – back up lang kami rito. Alam namin trabaho namin. Bahala sila mag-isip. Salamat kung ganoon sinasabi nila. Pero hindi pumapasok sa akin iyon, eh.”

Espinas believes that complacency is their enemy after blowing out Ginebra in the first game. He also knows that his team will gain a huge advantage if they win the second game.

“Kailangan naming maging aggressive kung gusto naming makuha yung dream naming na mauwi yung trophy. Sayang kung hindi naming makukuha. Ito na yung pagkakataon, hindi na kami mga bata, marami na kaming may edad sa team namin.”

The Beermen aims for a 2-0 lead over Ginebra today, February 26, 6:30pm at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.

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Story by: Ernest Hernandez
Photo by: Peter Baltazar