Rookie Janrey Pasaol still keeps his clutch mistake in mind, as the FEU Tamaraws make a last-minute charge toward the UAAP Season 87 Final Four.
FEU Tamaraws rookie Janrey Pasaol hasn’t completely gotten over his missed free throws during their first round encounter against the NU Bulldogs, he revealed after an inspired performance against Ateneo on Saturday night.
Coming out with a career-high performance in scoring and assists at the Big Dome to complete a season sweep of the Blue Eagles, Pasaol said that he still thinks about those potential game-winning free throws.
“Hanggang ngayon nga, 'di pa rin ako makatulog sa [nangyaring 'yun] nung first round,” said the outspoken rookie.
“Dapat nga, first win namin 'yun, so hanggang ngayon, wino-work out ko pa rin 'yung mga free throws ko, 'yung mga details ng coaches.”
During the clutch moments in that game, Pasaol was sent to the free throw line on a three-point attempt in the dying seconds of the ball game, with NU ahead only by two, 62-60.
[RELATED: NU escapes FEU to barge into UAAP Season 87 win column]
While he could’ve sent the game to overtime with just two makes, Pasaol crumbled under the pressure and missed all three charity shots, helping the Bulldogs hold on for the victory.
It was especially frustrating for FEU, who were still winless at that point. But since then, the rookie has atoned for his sins.
And going up against Ateneo on Saturday, and another blue chip rookie in Jared Bahay, Pasaol played his best game for the season. More than himself, Pasaol credited his resurgence to his teammates.
[RELATED: UAAP: FEU pulls off season sweep vs Ateneo to send Blue Eagles to the brink]
“Nagpapasalamat ako kina Royce [Alforque] at saka kay Jorick [Bautista] kasi kumbaga nandyan sila para gabayan ako lagi eh. So alam nilang ako na 'yung susunod sa mga point guard nila so, nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako sa kanilang dalawa,” said Pasaol.
But in the game against Ateneo, Pasaol was the one to step up for his seniors — ending up with a team-high 14 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
A win that further increased their chances of making it to the Final Four, Pasaol was able to realize his full potential.
But with their final game of elimination slated against the UP Fighting Maroons, the first-year player will be pressed to come out with similar numbers to hopefully get the upset victory.
FEU plays UP on Saturday, November 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.