By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--Last year, Gab Dagangon had to play under the shadows of Scottie Thompson and a rookie named Bright Akhuetie.
With Thompson now among the PBA Rookie of the Year contenders and the defenders now finding a way to contain Akhuetie, Dagangon became Perpetual Help's focal point in offense.
The said fact was epitomized on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, scoring a career-high 27 points and the eventual game-winning basket as the Altas sent their NCAA Final Four series against the San Beda Red Lions to a sudden death showdown.
[Related Story: Perpetual Help stuns San Beda, forces rubber match]
Coach Jimwell Gican lauded the 6-foot-2 winger for the career game that saved Perpetual Help's season.
"Happy ako sa kanya na ganun ang nilaro niya. Yung puso at utak, nandoon dala niya," Gican said of Dagangon.
Dagangon actually nearly botched the play that led to his go-ahead layup as his pass intended for Akhuetie was tapped by Javee Mocon only that the ball went back to him, setting up the heroic moment.
"Kailangan ko siyang i-shoot talaga kasi muntikan na akong ma-turnover. Baka mabaliktad pa. Di ko na sinayang," Dagangon said about the said inside shot.
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