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| Former Steph Curry teammate Tre Robinson tried to win it from the "Steph Curry range", which in the PBA now counts for four points. Dennis Acosta |
MANILA--The new four-point shot impacted how PBA Season 49's first game boiled down.
Magnolia import Tre Robinson admitted that he took matters into his own hands when he decided to go for a four-pointer in hopes of giving his team the outright win, which was down three with 10 seconds left.
"I knew we needed a three [to tie the game], and they added a four-point line, so I figured, "Why not go for the kill? Why not try to get that four-pointer?" Robinson said after the Hotshots' showdown against the Meralco Bolts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero then confirmed that he gave the former Golden State Warrior the freedom to decide if he wants to go for it from the "Steph Curry range".
"It's his choice kasi that's the play we want him to do. The other two guards are a decoy, then we want him to create for his shot or his teammates', but he chose to take the four-point [shot]. Kumbaga decision nya yun, but that's the play. So we want him to go one-on-one, and then if there's a chance to kick out or to take his shots, he will do it," Victolero said.
Robinson indeed tried the four-point shot in the end against Chris Newsome's defense, but the pull-up blast only hit the back of the rim as Meralco walked away victorious.
Despite the loss, both Robinson and Victolero were satisfied with the Hotshots' valiant fight in the end.
"I'm proud of the team for battling back," Robinson said.
"We kept on fighting back sa game, which nagawa naman namin through our defense," Victolero added.
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