Columbian import Wright on PBA debut: ‘I could’ve been better’

ANTIPOLO—Akeem Wright’s first game in the PBA didn’t go exactly as he hoped for.

Wright’s Columbian lost in the opener of the PBA Governors’ Cup to Meralco, 109-106, after the Dyip squandered a 10-point halftime lead.

The Dyip held a 53-43 lead against the Bolts heading into the break but got bamboozled in the second half.

“We had multiple chances in taking the lead, and you know, we got to hang our hat because that’s a tough team,” said Wright.

“They’ve been to the finals for the last two times of this cup so hats off to them and they fought back and won the game.”

Columbian got outscored, 42-23, in the third quarter and went into the fourth down, 85-76.

Although the Dyip and the Bolts were tied at 106-106 in the final 1:15 of the game, Baser Amer’s layup for Meralco’s 108-106 lead with a minute left brought the end to Columbian’s hopes.

Wright had the chance to tie the game but he bricked his jumper with 54 seconds left.

“I could’ve been better, I missed a lot of shots I normally make especially the ones in the fourth quarter that could’ve tied the game,” said Wright, who had 30 points and 14 boards.

“Normally, that’s a shot I would make all day in practice so I’m a little frustrated with myself.”

Wright did not just muff his late-game chance for the Dyip but he also hurt his right knee with 1.4 seconds left when he battled for a rebound during Allen Durham’s free throw.

The 6-foot-5 import, though, said he was fine and there was nothing to worry about.

“I kind of hurt my knee in the end but you know I’m fine.”