John Holland takes responsibility for San Miguel’s early Governors’ Cup exit

With his team down by 1 with only 30 seconds left on the game clock, San Miguel import John Holland tried to take matters into his own hands and paid dearly for it.

The 31-year old Holland, who came in as a replacement for the injured Dez Wells, grabbed the rebound off a missed jumper by Justin Brownlee and then went coast-to-coast against a phalanx of Brgy. Ginebra defenders. Without a teammate in sight, the former NBA player lost control of the ball and it eventually went out of bounds resulting in a back-breaking turnover.

Stanley Pringle, who was fouled by Chris Ross in the ensuing play, calmly sank both free throws to give his team more breathing room.

With the Gin Kings now up by 3, 100-97, the Beermen had two opportunities to send the game into an extra period but bungled them both.

Holland, who finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals in a no-relief job, took the blame for the loss that also ended the team’s quest for the triple-crown.

“It’s a tough loss. I made some mistakes. It’s one of those things that you wish you could have it back,” said the NBA D-League veteran.

“I just lost the ball. It’s basketball. I take responsibility. I just lost the ball, and it cost us the game,” he added.

Without a win to show after three games, Holland remains grateful to the Beermen for being given the opportunity to play in the league and in the country.

“I’m gonna take this with me for the rest of my life. I enjoy my first time in the Philippines. It’s a really amazing experience just to be here. It’s really like a great experience.”

“It didn’t turn out the way I would have hoped, planned it. But that’s basketball, that’s life. San Miguel will be here forever. I’m happy to be a little bit part of it.”