Garvo Lanete. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE — Misfiring all series long, Garvo Lanete was surprised that coach Norman Black inserted him in the starting lineup for Meralco’s do-or-die Game 6 against Ginebra on Wednesday.
Apparently, the starting role gave the sophomore guard the confidence boost he needed as he shot 3-of-5 from beyond the arc to wound up with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the Bolts’ 98-91 Game 6 victory.
“That’s one of the adjustments we did, with me starting for Baser. Luckily, I made my shots, Papa Rey (Hugnatan) made his shots, so it was easier for Allen (Durham) to work down low. I’m just thankful that I didn’t waste the opportunity that was given to me,” he said.
Black’s gamble paid off big time as Meralco finally found its mark from the outside, going 12-of-28 for the game to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
But the Bolts, the league’s best three-point shooting in the season-ending conference, knew that they were bound for an explosion downtown despite a dismal showing in the championship series.
“The coaches always tells us of the law of averages. It’s about time that we make out shots. For the past few games, it was only Papa Rey who’s been consistent, so we really needed to step up, and good thing that those things happened,” said Lanete.
And now, with one final game separating the two teams from their dreams of winning the championship, Lanete said that it’s essential for the Bolts to calm their nerves and put their eyes on the prize.
“Game 7 excites us. We’re happy about the win today but we need to leave our happiness in the dugout. It’s another day and we need to focus on the Game 7. It’s our first time, and we wish to play this well again,” he said.
Game 7 is on Friday, still at the Philippine Arena.