Confident Ochea makes Pumaren a ‘genius’ with game-winner

Dawn Ochea nails the game winner as the Adamson bench reacts. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Dawn Ochea was given just a few seconds and he made it count.

When the Soaring Falcons found themselves down 61-60 and the clock reading 4.6 seconds, Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren called Ochea to replace Simon Camacho.

Ochea made most of Adamson’s opportunity as he shook off his defender Vince Tolentino, caught the inbound pass from Jonathan Espelata then nailed the turnaround jumper after a pivot and a flick with 1.9 seconds left en route to the 62-61 win.

READ: Ochea nails game-winner as Adamson stuns Ateneo

“Parang instinct na. Sinabi na sakin ni coach [Franz Pumaren] that no matter, kung ma-deny si Jerrick [Ahanmisi] and Rob [Manalang], I had to take the shot,” said Ochea Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “Do-or-die na, bahala si Lord kung papasok o hindi.”

Pumaren’s decision to put in Ochea, who started the game but only played for 11 minutes and attempted two shots including their last basket, for the game-winner preached fate as it was the forward’s lone two points of the match.

“Ochea made me a genius with that shot,” said Pumaren.

READ: Adamson coach Pumaren used to Ateneo challenge

Ochea hits! Adamson leads 62-61! pic.twitter.com/jvpacRMA08

— Bong Lozada (@BLozadaINQ) September 17, 2016

Thirdy Ravena tried to play hero for the Blue Eagles in the ensuing possession but the time expired without a shot being made as the Falcons let out a roar of pandemonium.

“Swerte lang. Hindi sila mag expect na from the bench titira kasi tutok na rin sila [Ateneo] kay Jerrick and Rob,” said Ochea.

“And I’ve been doing that shot every night. I was very confident.”