MANILA, Philippines – Aldrech Ramos could not buy a bucket from the perimeter in the first three quarters of Star's game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, missing even point-blank lay-ups and mid-range jumpers that he usually makes.

He connected on one three-pointer in each of the second and third periods, but his offensive contributions were not enough as the Hotshots trailed by four, 84-88, with just under five minutes left in their All-Filipino Cup showdown at the Big Dome.

Yet even as Ramos repeatedly misfired, his teammates – especially Paul Lee – and coach Chito Victolero did not lose their trust in him.

Ramos repaid their trust in crunch time, when he coolly knocked down an open triple off a pass from Lee with 1:23 to go to give the Hotshots a 96-88 lead. After Jay Washington responded with his own three-pointer, Ramos drained yet another triple from the corner to put the Elasto Painters away for good.

"Masama 'yung first three quarters ko," Ramos admitted. "Buti na lang noong fourth, 'yung mga open shots ko, na-shoot na."

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Lee was thrilled to see Ramos respond, especially after he personally challenged his teammate ahead of the fourth frame.

"Buti nag-connect si Aldrech," he said. "Kasi first three quarters, parang 'di siya tumitira eh. So sinabi ko lang sa kanya, kailangan mong ipukol 'yan, kasi kailangan ka namin. Nag-connect naman siya sa huli."

Playing a huge role in Star's victory was a boost of confidence to Ramos, who had little to do with the drama surrounding the game – the first time that Lee and James Yap, who were traded for each other in the off-season, played against their former teams.

"Every game naman, kailangan namin kasi nasa winning streak kami," said Ramos. "Continue lang namin, 'di ba. 'Yun 'yung motivation namin – manalo."

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