Yee, Khobuntin pick up slack for Picanto

Mark Yee. PBA IMAGES

The early ouster of Eric Camson was supposedly a huge blow to Kia.

But Camson’s ejection in the second quarter was hardly felt after Glen Khobuntin and Mark Yee stepped up in his absence.

Yee picked up the slack in the third quarter, where he scored nine of his 13 points while Khobuntin came up clutch with eight fourth quarter points to finish with 11.

“I knew he would [deliver]. I knew he would,” Kia coach Ricky Dandan said of Khobuntin.

“We were just working on some combinations on the floor, we were trying because we are undermanned, we have no more bigs left we lost Eric and Prince (Caperal) was in foul trouble, we were rotating people. But after halftime, I talked to him and said be ready, you’ll start in the third quarter.”

Khobuntin made his presence felt in the third period but he saved his best for last, hitting back-to-back baskets inside the last two minutes and 28 seconds that put the Picanto ahead, 96-89, with only 1:52 remaining.

He also sealed the game with a breakaway layup after Yee won a crucial jump ball against Gabe Norwood in the final seconds.

The former National University star refused to take all the credit for his impressive showing, pointing out that his other teammates had significant contributions as well.

“It wasn’t just me. All of us played well,” Khobuntin said in Filipino. “I just had an opportunity and it just so happened that the play was designed for me to get the ball.”

“I’m just thankful that coach trusted me.”