James Payosing had his best game of the season so far on Tuesday, putting together 15 points and seven rebounds to help steer San Beda University to a hard-fought 76-69 overtime victory over modern-day rival Mapua University.
Prior to that, the third-year cager was only averaging 6.5 markers and 5.88 boards, which for some are a far cry from the performances he displayed in the Red Lions' finals run last year where he earned the Finals MVP honors.
However, Payosing will take this for now, saying team results have more weight than the individual performance.
"Hindi naman ako worried kasi alam ko ‘yung preparation ko eh, so even though may mga games na off ako, basta nananalo kami okay lang, basta sinusuportahan ko 'yung teammates ko then after no’n adjust na ako sa second round," Payosing told GMA News Online.
With Payosing still finding his vintage form, the Red Lions bench is stepping up big time.
Veteran forward Yukien Andrada remains lethal as the squad's top scorer with 13.44 points a game alongside 6.78 rebounds, and 1.11 assists, while transferee Bryan Sajonia is proving his worth with 12.56 markers, 4.44 boards, and 2.11 dimes as the defending champions soared to a 6-3 record after a shaky start.
High-flying big man Jomel Puno is imposing his will on the paint, posting 12.33 points, 6.78 rebounds, and 1.0 assist, while holding his own against the dominant big men of the league.
Payosing knows he has to show up in the crucial second round, especially with the surprise parity that the centennial season is experiencing right now.
"Actually, hindi naman ako naninibago kasi gano’n din ako last year na first round struggle talaga tapos sa second round ako bubuhos," he added.
"Dinadahan-dahan ko lang kasi ang ginagawa ko, sinusunod ko muna ‘yung sistema. And sa time na nararamdaman ko na, at saka na ako magiging aggressive."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
