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PBA: What James Yap told Manny Pacquiao after Purefoods-Kia


James Yap and Manny Pacquiao share a moment on the court. Nuki Sabio


Even before Kia playing coach Manny Pacquiao stepped foot on a PBA hardcourt, the Filipino ring icon was already good friends with Purefoods superstar James Yap.
 
The two men crossed paths again on Wednesday when Yap's Star Hotshots defeated Pacquiao's Sorento.
 
After the game, Yap made sure to approach his buddy.
 
"Nag-congratulate lang ako sa kaniya, and then tinanong ko sa kaniya ba't 'di siya naglaro," Yap said after the game.
 
Pacquiao was only three days removed from his sensational victory over Chris Algieri, which is why he chose to remain on the sidelines for Kia.
 
Most difficult victory
 
But Pacquiao's coaching return seemed to have sparked something for his players, who stayed toe-to-toe with Purefoods before running out of gas in the fourth period.
 
"Ito 'yung pinakamahirap na laro sa conference namin," said Yap, who finished with 12 points for the Hotshots. "Hindi ko in-expect na ganun kaganda 'yung laro nila. Nahirapan kami."
 
Kia led by as many as nine points and dictated the pace for three quarters.
 
"Lahat ng players nila excited maglaro. Tapos kalaban kami, nag-Grand Slam kami so talagang nachachallenge din sila," said Yap.
 
The star guard expressed relief from their escape, which improved their record to 5-3 for a share of fourth, but gave credit to the Kia players.
 
"Kung mag-relax ka sa kanila talagang either tatambakan ka o tatalunin ka talaga," said Yap.
 
"At least naka-survive kami. Muntik pa kaming matalo. Buti na lang talagang nakalusot kami sa kanila." — JST, GMA News
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