MANILA, Philippines – Alec Stockton heaved a huge sigh of relief as he propelled Converge to its biggest win in franchise history after nearly getting ejected.
Stockton kept the FiberXers alive in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, draining the game-winning buzzer-beater in a come-from-behind 114-112 victory over San Miguel in Game 3 of the best-of-five duel on Monday, September 30.
The shot would not have been possible if the flagrant foul two — which results in automatic ejection — that Stockton originally incurred for elbowing Kris Rosales in the face late in the opening quarter stood.
But the referees downgraded his infraction to a flagrant foul one, allowing Stockton to stay in the game.
“I thought it was over for me. Shoutout to the referees for changing the call. I wouldn’t be here right now,” said Stockton, who finished with 20 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in 32 minutes of play.
Stockton said he has nothing against Rosales, attributing the incident to the “heat of the moment” as they jockeyed for position before all hell broke loose.
“I’m cool. It’s basketball. Someone’s going to get hit no matter what. That’s the competition of the game. You can’t take it personally,” said Stockton.
“On the court, we may look like we’re going to kill each other, but off the court, I got no problems. Shoutout to Kris. My fault if I hit him.”
Stockton also committed a sloppy endgame blunder when he fouled Marcio Lassiter, who was taking a three-pointer, when the FiberXers were ahead 112-109 with just 10 seconds remaining.
One of the greatest shooters in PBA history, Lassiter calmly sank his three free throws to knot the score.
But Stockton redeemed himself in the ensuing possession as he hit a stepback jumper over the outstretched arms of CJ Perez just before time expired to lift Converge to its first-ever playoff win.
“We were up by three and I did almost cost us the game. I had to do something. I’m just glad I made that shot and we got ourselves another chance,” said Stockton.
Trailing 1-2 in the series, Stockton and the FiberXers shoot for the equalizer in Game 4 on Friday, October 4, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. – Rappler.com
