Jamel Artis played without any relief in NorthPort’s 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup duel with Magnolia on Thursday night with an aim to fulfill a promise.
Batang Pier head coach Pido Jarencio disclosed that the American cager himself wanted to ball the entirety of the game’s 48 minutes, as he vowed to give the team a victory. And so, his request was granted.
“Actually, sabi niya sa’kin, ‘I’ll play 48 minutes tonight, so don’t take me out.’ Sabi ko, ‘You sure you can manage your strength?’ Sabi ko sa kanya. ‘Up to the last quarter?’ ‘Yes, ’til the end,’” narrated the former cager.
Artis did keep his word. He submitted his best outing yet, firing 42 points as he carried NorthPort to the 103-101 victory to deal the Hotshots their first defeat after a blazing 6-0 start into the season-ending conference.
The former NBA cager shot an efficient 14-of-21 from the field, including the go-ahead jumper with 49.2 seconds left that gave his side the lead for good — and saved them after losing a 19-point third quarter lead.
Artis also collected nine rebounds and eight assists in a near triple-double performance that saw him rack up three steals as well.
Photo by PBA Images
“Sabi niya. ‘I’ll give you a win, a W.’ Mayabang din, e,” said Jarencio with a chuckle.
“Pero may ipagyayabang din, nakakatuwa e.”
The 57-year-old was totally satisfied with how his import performed, most especially with how he responded to his challenge.
“I challenged him nga before the game. Sabi ko, ‘If you can score 50 or 60 points, it’s up to you. You have the go-signal.’ Kaya naman ‘yung confidence, andun,” said Jarencio.
“Grabe rin yung bata, ‘no.”
Artis was definitely elated as NorthPort came out victorious. After all, it was their second win since a 0-5 start, a win that came at the expense of another formerly unbeaten team as they also ended the run of Meralco a week ago.
Still, the 29-year-old from Baltimore isn’t satisfied whatsoever, as the Batang Pier are aiming to win more to turn that quarterfinal dreams into reality.
“It’s only two straight. We’re going for six more, five more, four more, whatever. We just gotta keep pushing.”
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