Even John Abis was in awe after his go-ahead three-point shot that would steer University of Perpetual Help System DALTA past Mapua University actually went in.
The 22-year-old sophomore buried the game-winning triple over the Cardinals' Paolo Hernandez, giving the Altas a crucial 79-77 lead with 26.1 seconds left to spare in the game.
That proved pivotal as Mapua could not manufacture a shot after that — getting whistled for a shot clock violation to eventually hand Perpetual the victory.
For Abis, it was a shot that surprised even himself.
Prior to that booming triple, Abis only made one attempt from downtown this NCAA Season 98. He only made one of his three three-point attempts in the previous season.
"Nagulat din po ako eh, 'di ko ineexpect na mashu-shoot 'yung tira kong 'yun," shared Abis.
"Nung na-shoot na 'yun, sobrang saya tapos syempre thank you kay Lord kasi 'yung tirang 'yun ay 'yung magpapanalo sa amin."
Perpetual head coach Myk Saguiguit explained the shot was originally designed for his veteran gunner Kim Aurin, who finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block in the win.
But with the graduating cager denied a chance to receive the ball, Abis took matters into his own hands.
"'Yung panalo kanina parang God's gift ba. Kasi aakalain mo bang masho-shoot ni Abis 'yun. Tsaka sabi ko naman sa players ko, magdasal tayo nang taimtim because anything can happen basta meron tayong faith doon sa taas," the tactician said.
"So 'yung last play na 'yon actually kay Kim 'yun eh pero maganda 'yung focus nung bata kaya nabigay sa kanya 'yung tira na niya 'yun."
—JMB, GMA News
