Washington flashes old form in helping RoS clinch last playoff spot

MANILA, Philippines – Jay Washington was a force in the league half a decade ago.

 

But when Rain or Shine's conference tilted on the balance, the PBA journeyman flashed his old lethal self, helping the Elasto Painters secure the last ticket into the Philippine Cup quarterfinals. 

 

"It was an important game, so I think I just came out with a different focus," the two-time Best Player of the Conference said.

 

"I just felt, a little extra push knowing that we're on the verge of getting eliminated today. It's just important to be aggressive and take the open shots that I get."

 

Washington's scoring in the past year declined. This season, his production was dealt a new dent as he had to be an option in a arsenal that featured James Yap; Gilas oldtimers Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan; and young bloods Jericho Cruz and Maverick Ahanmisi. 

 

But against a young Elite squad that's just as hungry as the Painters -- a team that logged their franchise-best record of five wins that included contenders Alaska and GlobalPort? The 6-foot-7 forward wasn't taking any chances.

 

Washington tallied 15 markers --the team's best, and his personal best in the conference.

 

"I've been struggling to get to my comfort zone -- comfort level, I guess. Not that [my teammates] make it hard. I just thank God we played well and we're moving on," he revealed.

 

Washington's season-high couldn't have come at a better time as the Painters were trying to put an end to a four-game spiral that began against San Miguel and a dry spell that cost them the second spot in the league ladder.

 

"We really have to be composed--and play smart basketball down the stretch," Washington offered. "That's where we've really squandered games."

 

"This is a good game for us. It's a positive experience for us after those losses," he added. "

 

With the win, Rain or Shine arranged a rematch with the defending conference champions Beermen, whom they narrowly beat in overtime in the last meeting.

 

"Well, they're the barometer, you know. They set the bar for the All Filipino," the 12-year veteran said. "But I think we match-up well ... The first time we met them, I think we had a great chance to win the game."

 

"We've got a good feeling knowing that we could've won that first one. So I think the morale right now is high," he added.

 

"Hopefully we could keep it rolling. 

 

Rain or Shine takes on the twice-to-beat San Miguel on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.