Vic Manuel is not feeling so merry this Christmas after Terrafirma remained winless heading into the Yuletide break.
Vic Manuel would have wanted to celebrate Christmas with Terrafirma finally calling itself a winner in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Too bad the Dyip fell short against Converge, 112-124, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, Dec. 22.
After the match, Manuel did not hide his frustration as his squad dropped all of its first seven games in the import-spiced tournament.
“Parang hindi ako sanay na ganoon ang standings. Alam ninyo namang nasanay tayo sa puro panalo,” said Manuel, who was traded from powerhouse San Miguel before the conference unfurled.
“Malungkot 'yung Pasko ko ngayon kasi first time na winless sa conference.”
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PBA veteran Vic Manuel enjoys lengthy playing time with Terrafirma in the Season 49 Commissioner's Cup. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
But Manuel still has plenty of reasons to be happy as he takes a much-needed Christmas break.
“Oo naman. Okey na okey. Masaya ako kasi nakalalaro, nakatutulong sa team,” he said.
“Kaso nga lang, ayun, medyo nahihirapan pa kaming makuha 'yung unang panalo namin. Nandoon na kami, eh. Talagang nasyu-short lang.”
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Terrafirma actually held a 104-108 lead in the fourth period before the Elasto Painters staged a furious uprising that turned the tables for good.
Manuel could only wish Terrence Romeo could have played and delivered the finishing kick for the Dyip at that juncture.
“Siguro malaking factor kung nakapaglalaro si TR,” said Manuel.
He added: “Sana next year, makapaglaro na siya. Sa pagbalik namin ng bagong taon, sana makalaro na siya, makuha namin 'yung first win namin.”