Yap delivers throwback performance in ROS win over Phoenix

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It’s been almost a decade since James Yap became the undisputed face of the PBA after he won his second MVP, but that doesn’t mean he is already done for.

Yap had a throwback performance after coming up big in the clutch in Rain or Shine’s come-from-behind 108-106 win over Phoenix in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Coming off the Elasto Painters’ bench, Yap scored eight of his total 13 points in the final quarter in a game the 36-year-old said he was just ready to do what was needed to be done.

“I was just ready so when coach [Caloy Garcia] called me I’m sure I was prepared,” said Yap. “I always keep myself in top condition, that’s it.”

Yap was the mastermind of the Elasto Painters’ 14-2 run in the fourth quarter that propelled them to a 104-98 lead after trailing 96-90 early in the period.

The 2006 and 2010 MVP scored six straight points, a three-point play and a three-pointer, to tie the game at 96 at the 6:55 mark and it was up to his teammates to pick up the slack later in the period.

“It feels good to play that way but of course coach has his methods depending on how the game is going,” said Yap, who played for 19 minutes. “As for me, I’ll just keep myself ready for whatever situation.”

“We came away with a good result when my name was called, and I was able to deliver.”