Arvin Gamboa admitted having self-doubt when Mapua University took on San Beda University in Game 2 of their NCAA Season 97 Final Four clash on Wednesday after suffering cramps late in the previous meeting.
Gamboa, however, shrugged those hesitations away during their crucial Wednesday encounter against the Red Lions after receiving pep talks from his coaches and teammates.
"Nung nag-cramps ako, medyo may doubt ako sa sarili ko going into second game kasi inaanticipate ko [na] baka bumalik," Gamboa said.
"Sabi ng mga coaches, i-enjoy at laruin pa rin 'yung laro ko [at] yung sistema. Go hard lang, so ayon kahit papaano, nakapag-perform at na-execute 'yung mga game plans."
("When I had cramps, I had some doubts about myself going into the second game because I was anticipating that it might come back. The coaches told me to enjoy and play my game and the system. Just go hard, so I was able to perform and execute our game plans.")
Gamboa shone for the Cardinals, finishing with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks, two assists, and a steal as they eliminated San Beda for the right to play Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the finals.
Prior to that stellar showing, Gamboa was unable to finish the previous game after suffering cramps with 4:22 left in the game, which eventually went into overtime.
San Beda then escaped Mapua to force a rubber match but with Gamboa playing outstanding basketball the following game, Mapua completed the business and quenched a 31-year finals appearance drought with a 70-67 victory.
"Binigay na namin lahat kasi win or go home na eh," said the 24-year-old Gamboa.
"After ng timeout, sabi namin composure lang then i-execute lang 'yung plays at wag kami ma-rattle kasi intense na 'yung last minutes."
("We gave everything because it's win or go home. After the timeout, we said we'd just keep our composure and execute the plays and don't feel rattled because the last minutes would be intense.")
—MGP, GMA News
