
Don Trollano had already set up the San Miguel Beermen for an epic comeback against the NLEX Road Warriors in their PBA Philippine Cup title defense.
Trollano drained a crucial four-point shot to put the defending champions within one point with 11 seconds left on the clock.
But his late-game heroics would later be put to waste when he lost control of the ball in the final possession, costing San Miguel the game, 85-84.
Trollano was quick to own up to the mistake for the costly turnover in the dying seconds.
“Dapat hindi na ito nangyari, lalo akong hindi makakatulog nito eh. Ang bilis ng pangyayari eh. That’s on me, my mistake. Hindi ko masyado na-calculate ‘yung oras. I take full responsibility,” he told reporters after the game.
The 33-year-old guard said the final play was not specifically for him.
“Basta kung sino ‘yung open, na-rebound namin tapos scrambled defense. ‘Yun lang, walang play na specific kung sino titira,” he said.
The three-time PBA champion, who’s used to big moments, rued that he did not attempt to shoot the ball, which could have ultimately given San Miguel the win over NLEX.
“‘Yun nga eh. Hindi ko tinira eh. Mistake ko ‘yun. Matututo naman ako. Bawi next time,” he said.
“Hero na sana eh naging sleepless night tuloy. ‘Yun nga bawi nalang kami. We learn from our mistakes, my mistakes. Next time siguro hindi na mangyayari,” Trollano added.
He finished with 17 points, five assists and three steals in the tough first game loss.
Trollano and the Beermen seek redemption when they face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, October 12, at the Ynares Center. (ABS-CBN News)