“Tell me I can No Longer Fly”

The Underdogs came into their Week 4 Matchup vs the GameCocks as the favorites after winning their first 3 games. They are also the only team that beat Kuya Cats this season so far. On the other hand, the GameCocks were reeling from their losses and is trying to get their mojo back.

In this highly unusual matchup, The Underdogs only fielded 5 players in this game while The GameCocks only had 4 players. Raymund Escarlan was not able to play that day even though he was in the bench due to having so much fun from his trip back from Paris, France (NOT Paris, TX).

Jingson Morales asked the league commissioner if they can play another player in their team to compete.

With which the commissioner replied, “If I let you do that, then you will have to forfeit the game. Is this what you want?” (NOT entirely the precise wording but you know the drift.)

Reluctantly, Jingson and the GameCocks played with Jerry Agtarap, Cupid Musa, Jingson Morales and CJ Pineda while the Underdogs fielded in Jun Centeno, Dennis Villa, Rodje Villa, Dillon Pineda, and CK Arcilla.

This was the last game of the day. The gym was quiet. The other players had left.

Although there were spectators in the stands, the game was slightly unattended. I bet the audience were just curious to see why the heck we were playing a 4 vs 5 matchup.

The game started with both teams trading buckets. The GameCocks were dictating the tempo the whole game. They ran when they got advantage on the break with CJ on the attack.

Dillon Pineda, Jun Centeno and Rodje Villa trade buckets with CJ and the GameCocks.

With both teams already on the brink of exhaustion, The GameCocks were able to grab the lead within the last 20 seconds at 58-56. Dillon and The Underdogs ran back quickly and was able to tie the game with 6 or 7 seconds left on the clock.

The game was looking to go into overtime until…

The GameCocks quick throw an outlet pass to Jerry Agtarap who was in the half court. Dillon Pineda was in front of him.

And with the last ounce of strength, he threw a hail mary… In five… four… three… two… one… And the shot went in.

The crowd woke up from a slumber. The gym was in full hysteria. The table officials were rocking the table. Raymund was dancing. Gil was dancing.

But, the hero quietly walks down back to the bench. Shoulders down. Ready to hit the sack.

No one noticed it the whole game but Jerry scored 16 points, 7 rebounds, and committed 4 personal fouls.

None of that mattered for him. He knew he will be in the highlights for years to come.

Many of us dreamed of hitting the winning shot. Jerry lived it.