Aaron Fuller, still doubtful to play just hours before Rain or Shine's PBA Game 3 quarters battle against Magnolia, decided to see action and delivered.
Aaron Fuller, nursing a corneal abrasion he incurred just two days ago, was doubtful if he could play Game 3 of Rain or Shine's quarterfinal duel with Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Come the afternoon of game day, the Elasto Painters were still not sure if they could field in Fuller, who got poked in the eye by Hotshots big man Ian Sangalang early in Game 2, causing the reinforcement to exit the match.
But in the nightcap of the twin bill on Sunday, Aaron Fuller was not just in uniform but was also called to the team's starting five.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said that the decision to field in Fuller stemmed from his charge's own desire to play. Guiao even went on to describe the reinforcement as a "warrior."
"He was doubtful all the way up to this afternoon. I was just told by our trainer that he (Fuller) was feeling a little better, and that he wanted to play," said Guiao during the post-game conference after his team prevailed over Magnolia, 111-106, in a match that reached overtime.
"So, warrior talaga 'tong si Aaron," Guiao added.
Rain or Shine injury-hit reinforcement Aaron Fuller goes for the basket against Magnolia defender Ian Sangalang in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarterfinals on Sunday, Sept. 29. | Photo (c) PBA
Guiao actually began the presser by stating how Fuller inspired the Elasto Painters.
"Aaron just provided us a lot of inspiration and encouragement. They know what he went through. Alam naman natin kung ano 'yung nangyari," said Guiao.
Fuller turned his surprise Game 3 appearance up a notch by even scoring Rain or Shine's first basket. He proceeded to drop 11 points in the first quarter to allow the squad to take an early 29-18 lead.
Jhonard Clarito, Gian Mamuyac, Andrei Caracut and Santi Santillan also chipped in to help the Elasto Painters post double digit leads most of the way in the face of the Hotshots' repeated efforts to cut them to single digits.
Rain or Shine posted advantages of as many as 18 points, 38-20, early in the second quarter and, in regulation, did not allow Magnolia to recover the upperhand it last held at 5-7 in the first.
Steady when it mattered, Fuller poured seven points in the fourth quarter, three of which ignited a 7-0 tear that restored a 94-83 lead for the Elasto Painters with 4:18 to go after the Hotshots threatened at 83-87 behind Jerrick Ahanmisi's nine points in the frame.
But Magnolia, as it did the entire match, kept on fighting, this time behind import Jabari Bird and Zavier Lucero who combined in a 15-4 closing barrage, capped by Lucero's four-pointer with 13.1 seconds to go to knot the count at 98-all and force the extra period.
Fuller scored Rain or Shine's first basket in overtime, kickstarting a pulsating nip-and-tuck battle. He then churned out five straight points in a 39-second span to turn a 101-104 deficit to a 106-104 advantage with 18.3 ticks remaining.
Lucero, in what seemed like a deja vu of sorts, once again stepped up for the Hotshots with a layup, which initially did not count as it was blocked by Clarito. But upon review, Clarito's denial was later called as a goal tending violation thus knotting the count once again with just 14.1 seconds left.
But the Elasto Painters remained unfazed, sealing the match on five freebies by Clarito and Fuller in the final 10.4 seconds.
Guiao lauded how Fuller was able to check his emotions and deliver in Game 3.
Fuller collected 29 points as he converted 9 of his 13 attempts from the field while also going 11-for-12 from the charity stripe. He complemented his offensive output with 11 rebounds and six assists in nearly 38 minutes of play.
"He plays with a big heart. He is able to control his emotions and carried our team on his shoulders," said Guiao.
The fiery mentor also recognized Fuller's huge contribution in Rain or Shine's Game 3 win that put the squad at the threshold of a semifinal appearance with its 2-1 series lead.
In Game 2, the Elasto Painters suffered from the early loss of Fuller who went to the bench after sustaining the eye injury with just 30 seconds to go in the opening period. He never returned and Rain or Shine succumbed to a 52-point lashing, 69-121, from the Hotshots.
"Hindi naman kami makakarating dito, hindi kami mananalo ng larong 'to kung hindi siya naglaro talaga," said Guiao.
While the Elasto Painters considered playing sans Fuller and even prepared for the scenario, Guiao said that the reinforcement knows how important his presence is to the team and thus channeled the warrior in him to be able to play.
"Pero pinaghandaan din naming baka wala siya. In our last practice yesterday, we were prepared to prepare without him. But of course, 'yung chances namin, medyo maliit kung wala kang import. And, I think he knows that. So the warrior in him, I guess just pushed him to play," said Guiao.
"Of course, he was instrumental in this game," he added.