Yap scribes’ PBA player of the week
James Yap continues to defy Father Time by dishing out spectacular plays leading to his first Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award for the 2019 Philippine Cup.
Despite a tight schedule that saw Rain Or Shine play three games in five days, the 6-foot-2 Yap went on to average 13 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists to help the Elasto Painters stretch their winning streak to five heading to the twoweek break. The break is part of PBA’s commitment to support Gilas’ campaign in the sixth and final window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Yap, who turned 37 a day after Valentine’s Day, scattered 18 points behind his 6-of-9 clip from three-point zone, leading Rain Or Shine’s fightback from a doubledigit deficit to turn back NorthPort, 107100 on Feb. 8.
The two-time PBA Most Valuable Player’s stepback three over Paolo Taha with less than three minutes left put Rain Or Shine ahead for good, at 102-100.
Yap had a quiet two-point output two days later, but contributed four boards in 18 minutes off the bench as Rain Or Shine squeaked past Phoenix, 98-94. ROS’ victory handed Phoenix its first loss following a 5-0 start for the season.
James’ shooting struggle didn’t last long, rediscovering his touch on Feb. 13 in a key matchup against his former team Magnolia at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Yap fired 18 points, including the game-winning three-point play off a foul by Rome dela Rosa to lift Rain Or Shine to a 75-74 triumph against Magnolia.
Rain Or Shine leads with a 7-1 record.