When Cliff Hodge went down with an ankle injury late in the first overtime, coach Luigi Trillo didn’t have troble looking for someone to fill in his shoes.
Enter Bong Quinto.
Quinto showed out and helped the Meralco Bolts live to fight another day with a thrilling 116-107 3OT win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The bruising forward dropped 14 of his 19 points in the extra periods, none bigger than the two booming triples in the third overtime, to force a decider on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Trillo was impressed, but not surprised.
“Sometimes you have to find ways. Na-injure si Cliff diba? So si Bong is comfortable at the three, kailangan niya mag kwatro. We had to play him small but he’s sanay playing that,” Trillo said of the former Letran Knight, who played every position but center during his college years.
For his part, Quinto said he was simply ready whenever his number is called.
“Siguro sa practice pa lang isipin mo na ready, na pwedeng mangyari 'yung ganung position,” he said.
But now the Bolts will need all the help they can get again if they hope to complete the "upset" and barge into the semifinals.
Hodge, who actually led the team in scoring with 20 points, is doubtful to play this the weekend. Nonetheless, Meralco is ready to go to another war against the Fuel Masters.
“We’re ready for it. Kung kaya bukas, bukas ilaro na namin. Guys have to step up. Cliff Hodge is hurt, next guy in,” coach Luigi said.