Rain or Shine’s Chan surprised when left open on game-winning triple

Photo by KC Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — Jeff Chan came just a point away from matching his career-high with 34 points in Rain or Shine’s thrilling win over Barako Bull Friday night.

And though Chan would’ve gladly wanted to tie his highest scoring output if not eclipse it, he won’t let his personal agenda get in the way of his team’s goal.

“During the first half, I knew I had a chance to reach that mark,” said Chan in Filipino, who was on pace for a 38-point night after already scoring 19 points by halftime. “But I don’t want to force things. Whatever play we’re running, that’s it. If I find myself open then why not? That’s the right time for me to shoot.”

Chan had quite a few open looks and he made Barako Bull pay.

“Actually, I was shocked,” said Chan when asked if he was surprised he was open a lot of times.

“The last one, I think it was Willie (Miller) [who was my defender] but Jervy (Cruz) was open and he (Miller) had to fully help and that’s when I got open,” recalled Chan on his seventh and final 3-pointer that gave ROS a 97-95 lead with 8.2 ticks left and ultimately a four-point win, the Painters’ sixth in nine outings.

Chan made seven out of his 10 attempts from long range — going 11-of-15 from the field overall on top of six rebounds in just 27 minutes.

“[His performance] was out of this world. I’ve been a fan of Jeff since we were in the PBL together. If he’s open, I think he’s going to make the shot every time. He’s one of those types of shooters and tonight it seemed like every shot he took went in,” said his teammate Gabe Norwood.

“I just came in with the mindset to be on the attack and we made sure to pound the ball inside to create scoring opportunities for us outside,” said Chan.

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