MANILA, Philippines — After making his first two freethrows in the second half of the game on Wednesday, University of the East’s center Charles Mammie couldn’t help but let out a loud “Yes!”
It was a frustrating night from the stripe for the Sierra Leone native, who even airballed one freethrow attempt before misfiring on the next four.
Mammie finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds but only 2-of-7 from the freethrow area in the Red Warriors’ 82-72 win over Lyceum Pirates in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
And for someone like Mammie who spends bulk of his time throwing his weight around in the paint, such ugly freethrow shooting could be one of the Warriors’ weaknesses.
“He has to learn the hard way and accept that [his freethrow shooting] is his waterloo. He will get hacked and they will bring him to the freethrow line,” said head coach Boyzie Zamar.
“It’s all about mental [mindset]. Ginagawa mo na everyday eh. It’s never an excuse. I hate to lose in the freethrow area,” he added.
But Mammie assured the Red Warriors that he is doing what it takes to be better — especially when they need him to make the freebies.
“I’m working on it. I’m working on my shots and I do extra everyday,” Mammie said in an interview with INQUIRER.net after their game.
“I struggled in the last game, but I came out strong [this time.]”
His only made freethrows of the day gave UE a 50-48 lead with 3:08 left in the third quarter. The Red Warriors went on a 20-2 run and were never threatened anew.
Mammie, set to play his first game in the collegiate league after only playing in the pre-season tournament with Arellano, has been providing UE a great frontcourt boost.
“It’s good to be back. My teammates are great. I have a great team and coaches and we’re working hard,” said Mammie.