The best losing-effort, ever?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

In the epitome of sports, there is always a loser and a winner. The winner always get the glory and the losers? It depends. 

For almost every series, we always give more respect to the winners. But, once in a while, we witness a San Miguel-Star series.

Even though it did not reached the pinnacle, game 5, those four games were all wars! Each game was decided by 7 points or less! 


Unfortunately or amazingly, it was not a real battle of two super squads. It became more of a power house cavalry against an unstoppable beast! The Iron Man suits against The Hulk! The five hokages against Madara! 

It was amazing! Ricardo Ratliffe showcased the most historic losing effort in my eyes! He was the epitome of carrying a team!

In their shocking game 1 victory, Ricardo plowed his way into 26 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. That 3 steals was the highlight for me because it showed the effort that Ratliffe put into the defensive end.

In their heartbreaking loss in game 2, Ricardo was a man among boys, a machine toying with humans a tiger playing with cats! His production was only 25 points and 35 rebounds. Yes, 35 rebounds against the Kraken and a hulking import in Rhodes.

That was not outstanding to you? Come on, are you telling me that you actually imagined a guy taking 35 boards against a frontline led by the most unstoppable Filipino player in the league, June Mar Fajardo?

In the most memorable game of the series, Ratliffe suddenly felt that he needed to do it all and he did. He scored 44 points in 18/28 shooting. He grabbed 19 boards, helping his team outrebound San Miguel by 20. Lastly, he also dished out 7 assists.

I almost forgot, he also blocked 4 shots! 

He wrapped up the series with a "respectable" 36 points, 17 rebounds performance. 

I feel really bad for Ricardo. He did his very best. He wanted to win. And he exhibited that in the court and gave us a show. For those four games, RicRat was the top scorer in 3 games and he was the best rebounder in all of the four games. 

32.8 points, 23 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 blocks, 52.5% FG.

It was a hell of a ride Mr. Ratliffe. I enjoyed it. Thank you!