UAAP: Chambers says no redemption story needed as Pasaol delivers after miscue

Far Eastern University guard Janrey Pasaol (#13) against Adamson University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Redemption came quickly for Janrey Pasaol as Far Eastern University finally snapped its three-game skid on Wednesdady, but Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers insisted that his prized guard never had anything to prove despite his recent blunder.

After drawing criticism for his late-game floater in FEU’s 72-75 loss to Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 89 on Saturday, Pasaol responded by draining a crucial three-pointer in crunch time as the Tamaraws held off Adamson University, 73-66, on Wednesday.

For Chambers, it was the perfect response from a point guard whose decision-making had come under scrutiny.

“He hit a big three in the corner, and that was the game-winner for us today,” said Chambers of Pasaol, who stretched FEU’s lead to eight, 68-60, after Adamson had trimmed a once 19-point deficit to just five in the final two minutes.

Even then, Chambers maintained that Pasaol’s late-game decision against Ateneo was never a major point of discussion within the team.

“I didn’t make it a big deal in practice. I didn’t call Jan out and say: ‘Do better.’ It happens,” he said. “Although that shot was magnified because of the mistake that he made, it didn’t determine the game. We had so many other mistakes. We didn’t play to our normal characteristics that we played today.”

The PBA legend pointed out that even the game’s biggest stars have endured similar moments, citing Chris Webber’s infamous timeout error that helped North Carolina defeat Michigan, 77-71, in the 1993 NCAA National Championship Game.

“It’s so funny, because there are so many people saying this and that. But I’m like: ‘Chris Webber’s timeout in the biggest game.’ You know? It happens. People just don’t understand when you’re in the heat of the battle,” said Chambers.

“When you’re in the stands, it looks like it’s simple. But there are so many elements going on, so I told Jan and the team: ‘We will not let that play define him,’” added the former Alaska Milk superstar.

Instead, Chambers placed greater emphasis on how the Tamaraws responded to halt their skid and boost their Final Four aspirations.

“We had a tough couple of weeks,” said Chambers, whose squad is now tied with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University for third place in the standings.

“We were not happy with the way we finished games, and [last] Monday was not a very pretty practice for them. But it really showed in the first three quarters today, especially on defense,” continued Chambers. “Now, I like where we’re at, and we get to control our destiny from here on out.”