Don Trollano is making sure he learns from his end-game mistake in San Miguel's opening game loss to NLEX in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Don Trollano was quick to own up to his late-game blunder after San Miguel fell to NLEX, 84-85, in an intense PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup opener Wednesday, Oct. 8.
“Dapat hindi na 'to nangyari. Lalo akong hindi makakatulog nito, eh. Ang bilis ng pangyayari,” Trollano told reporters after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“That’s on me, my mistake. Hindi ko lang masyadong na-calculate masyado 'yong oras, turnover. I take full responsibility.”
[RELATED STORY: Robert Bolick-less NLEX bests San Miguel for hot start to PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup]
The SMB forward was referring to the last play, where, as he drove from the baseline, he elected to pass the ball to Jericho Cruz when there was no time left.
Looking back, Trollano said he should have taken a clear shot after he faked Xyrus Torres from the left elbow.
“Hindi ko itinira. Bawi na lang next time. Mistake ko 'yon. Matututo naman ako,” Trollano said.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Jonnel Policarpio, NLEX dedicate stunner over SMB to teammate Robert Bolick]
Before that play, it was Trollano who actually gave SMB a ray of hope when they were staring at an 80-85 deficit with 17.1 ticks remaining.
Trollano swished a tough four-pointer for the Beermen to breathe down the Road Warriors' necks.
JB Bahio then muffed a pair of free throws in the ensuing play to further fan the hopes of the defending champions.
Unfortunately, San Miguel could not whip up another magic in the final possession.
Trollano vows to learn from this mistake as San Miguel turns its attention to its next foe, Phoenix, at the same venue Sunday, Oct. 12.
“Hero na sana, naging sleepless night pa tuloy,” Trollano said.
“Bawi na lang kami. We'll learn from our mistakes, my mistakes. So, next time, hindi na siguro ito mangyayari.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.