UAAP: UE captain Bong Galanza remains positive after ending collegiate career out of final four

Twelve seconds were left on the clock. University of the East held possession after Alfred Aroga nailed his free throws that broke the 49-49 deadlock for National University. Derrick Pumaren called for a timeout, designing the last play of the game for his team captain and reliable shooter Bong Galanza.

It was Galanza's last playing year in the UAAP. In the dying seconds, he got the pass from Roi Sumang, carrying the Warrior's final four hopes in his shoulders.

"Syempre may pressure na sa 'kin binigay 'yung last shot. Parang grabe 'yung tiwala nila coach sa akin," Galanza said.

The Bulldogs were caught off guard. Everyone believed the star guard Sumang would get the last shot. Galanza got an open look at the basket with the loose defense on him and released the ball.

He missed the shot, and along with it, ended his collegiate basketball career. He finished with nine points, far from his 26-point career-high in the second round game against Far Eastern University.

"Ganun talaga, may bad game, may good game. Basta binigay namin lahat 'yung best namin buong team," said Galanza.

When the final buzzer sounded, teammate Dan Alberto rushed to him, embraced him like a brother, and offered words of comfort.

"S'yempre sobrang sakit kasi last season ko tapos hindi pa kami nakapasok ng final four," Galanza said. "Nandyan na, parang iga-grab na lang namin 'yung opportunity na 'yun na 'di pa namin nakuha."

Despite failing to reach the final four in his last playing year, Galanza is still thankful for his experience with UE. With Sumang's limited minutes in the second round, he was able to step out of the shadows to lead his team in forcing a playoff game with NU after finishing the eliminations with a five-game winning streak.

"Nabigyan ako ng mga breakout games, lalo na sina coach, mga teammates ko, grabe 'yung trust nila saken ngayong season na 'to," Galanza said.

With his collegiate career over, Galanza remains positive about his future. The forward, who was drafted by Cafe France in the PBA D-League, believes that God has better plans for him.

"Hindi pa naman tapos ang lahat," he said his teammates told him. "Hindi pa naman daw ito ang huli." - RAF, GMA News