PBA IMAGES
Jay-R Taganas was hoping for a triumphant return as he made his way back to the PBA D-League.
Extending a hand to help AMA Online Education anew, the former San Beda standout was just what the doctor ordered, notching 14 points, 21 rebounds, and five assists on Monday.
“Masaya ako kasi nakakalaro ako ulit, kaso pagod din eh. Wala pa ako sa kundisyon dahil galing ako sa two weeks na pahinga,” he said.
Unfortunately for Taganas, his effort was still not enough as AMA lost to league-leading Phoenix, 97-89 for its third defeat in as many games.
It wasn’t the same Titans squad Taganas played for last season. A lot has changed and a bulk of the responsibility now lies on the hands of Ryan Arambulo and Jaycee Asuncion.
But if there’s a silver lining Taganas can look at, it’s the feistiness this team is showing despite falling behind by big margins.
“Lumalaban yung mga players hanggang sa dulo,” he said. “Sabi ko naman sa kanila, basta laruin lang nila yung mga laro nila at ibigay nila yung best nila, masaya na ako dun.”
And it was evident towards the end of their loss to the Accelerators as they were able to cut the 23-point deficit, 70-47 down to six, 95-89 in the final minute.
“Hindi sila nag-give up kahit ilan pa yung lamang. Hinabol nila para dumikit sa dulo at bigyan kami ng chance na manalo. Yun lang naman ang mahihingi ko sa kanila, kahit ano man ang kalabasan, basta maganda ang laban, masaya na ako,” Taganas said.