Jared Dillinger makes a surprise comeback

RETURN. Jared Dillinger expects to play more minutes in the quarterfinal match against the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Photo courtesy of the PBA Media Group.

MANILA, Philippines – Jared Dillinger made a surprise comeback after an injury and made assists to help the Meralco Bolts stay alive against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, Nov. 7. .

The veteran guard was replaced early in the second half after Cliff Hodge hurt his back. The Bolts captain did not return to the match.

"As soon as Cliff arrived on deck, I knew this coach was going to throw me into the fire. [The] The initial plan was just to be with the team and get well prepared for the semi-finals if we made the semifinals, "said Dillinger, who initially was not ready to play the entire conference due to an injury to a quad occurred at the 2018 Commissioner's Cup.

The Filipino-American made a big layup that tied the score at 38:10:46 of the 3rd quarter, before the Bolts burst into a huge 17-2 run for a huge win 90-74 which forced a do-or-die match 2 quarter-final against Phoenix.

Dillinger admitted that the pain still lingered, but he is ready to give everything when he is recalled from the bench.

"I tried to do a lay-up, but I'm pretty sure I jumped two inches off the ground, so my legs are not there yet, but my heart is there, my fighting spirit is there. " said Dillinger.

"WMen like Cliff break their backs, so I should break my legs if he wants to break his back. We will do everything in our power to win. "

Although having scored only 2 points, Meralco head coach Norman Black congratulated Dillinger on his defense of Calvin Abueva during his 7 minutes of play.

"C.Alvin Abueva is a real problem as to how to defend him. Only certain types of players can defend him because he is so physical, "said Black.

"That's why I used JD (Dillinger) tonight, he's a pretty physical player who plays defense."

But Dillinger thought that Black was just nice with his praises while he admitted that he was always fumbling with his defense and was quickly falling into trouble.

"IIt was funny as before the match, I told all the guys that if I want to go, I'm just going to make a mistake. Obviously, I did not think I was going to make such a mistake, but you know again, guys have responded well. Cliff fell, and everyone came together and obviously AD (Allen Durham) We took control and we had the win, "said Dillinger.

After returning from Dillinger, Black was impressed by the fact that he will ensure that the veteran keeps more minutes on Friday.

"I did not want to force him into this situation [a while ago] Because he did not play the whole conference. But he showed me that he could go out and leave me a few minutes, so he will definitely show up on Friday, "added Black. – Rappler.com