San Beda University’s Janti Miller shrugged off his awaiting doom in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball finals series.
The 6-foot-4 guard was handed an automatic suspension after being slapped with two technical fouls in the Red Lions’ 89-70 Game 1 victory over Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday.
Despite his absence in Game 2, Miller’s confidence in the Red Lions’ championship form will carry on as they try to close out the series on Saturday.
“Like I said, I got out with like seven minutes to play, and they kept the game under control. I feel like they can play without me,” Miller said.
“I just couldn't do nothing about it. So, that's it. Oh, but I'm very confident with my team,” he added.
Miller, who struggled on a 5-of-16 shooting clip, managed to flirt with a double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds before being sent to the dugout at the 6:14 mark of the fourth period for his second technical foul.
The whistle for his first technical foul came just before halftime.
“I don't think I got a tech ever in my life. I got two techs in a day. It's kind of weird. I don't know,” he added.
Miller also insisted that his first technical foul should have been a warning instead of being a straight call.
Though he will be missing San Beda’s potential title clincher on Saturday, Miller is bracing himself for what's to come if, by some miracle, his suspension will be overturned.
“I guess I'm just going to practice no matter what. Just get my mind ready if I'm going to play,” said Miller.
Despite what it came down to, Miller was still pleased to have his family supporting him in the packed Araneta Coliseum in Game 1.
“It's pretty cool. It's kind of like a full circle moment having them here. My dad came here the first time, watched me and my mom came out here too. I'm just trying to put on a show. It's pretty fun, pretty cool.”
Game 2 is set at 2 p.m. at the same venue.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
