Abarrientos can’t forgive self on those missed shots

Johnny Abarrientos still has to get over his boo-boo the morning after blowing away a won ballgame for Coca-Cola and allowing — of all teams — his former squad Alaska Milk to steal Game One of their best-of-five quarterfinals series.

"After 14 or 15 years, this is the first time I experienced this nightmare. Feeling ko pinagreretiro na ako dahil free throw lang di ko ma-shoot," said Abarrientos, referring to his muffed shots that led to the Tigers’ 94-95 loss to the Aces Wednesday.

"Walang excuse dahil beterano ako and I’m supposed to make those foul shots," said the 1996 league MVP whose three missed foul shots in the dying seconds enabled Nic Belasco to steal the game for the Aces.

Ironically, the 5-foot-8 point guard was aching to beat the very organization, which he helped win nine championships only to ship him out in the wake of ugly rumors a few years back.

In a TV interview at halftime, Abarrientos even said he’s yet to get over the trade issue that’s why he always exerts extra effort every time he’s up against his former team.

"Ang hirap kasi, dati me mga bulong-bulungan na diyan sa Alaska na nag-game-fixing daw ako, nagsasabong ako…dumating pa sa point na nagda-drugs daw ako," said Abarrientos.

"Kaya ayoko talagang matalo sa team na ‘to. Although bilang Kristiyano parang masama ang intention ko, pero matalo na sa iba huwag lang sa Alaska," he added.

Abarrientos’ solace is the fact that it was only the series opener and he still has the chance to redeem himself in the next few games.

"If it happened in a do-or-die match in the finals, I would immediately retire even if I still have a live contract. I wouldn’t have the face to show to the management," said Abarrientos.