Despite being at the center of controversial on-court antics all throughout TNT’s playoff run, the way to redeem himself has always been right in front of Poy Erram. All he needs to do is to realize that and begin taking the high road.

Game 6 was the first step to it.

A more composed and focused Erram showed up and came to the rescue for the Tropang Giga who forced a winner-take-all Game 7 after a gutsy 87-83 victory over Ginebra on Wednesday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a conscious effort to bounce back after admittedly becoming the "distraction" to the team for the past few games – including the notorious altercation between him and TNT head coach Chot Reyes in Game 5, Erram dropped 10 of his 14 points in the fourth frame – including the crucial free throws that gave the Tropang Giga enough cushion to survive a last-ditch effort from the Kings.

“Kailangan bumawi. Kailangan manalo kasi ayaw namin na ganito lang matapos yung series kasi alam namin na kaya pa namin,” said Erram.

“Gusto ko talagang manalo para sa team kasi sa mga nangyayari nakita niyo naman. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it i've been a distraction to my team and everybody knows it. Gusto ko lang talaga makabawi sa team,” he added.

Erram was apologetic for all of his actions the past games – which also included him throwing tantrums on his way to dugout in Game 2 and getting into a separate commotion with teammate Glenn Khobuntin at one point in the semifinals series against Rain or Shine.

On top of that, Erram admitted that he’s been going through hard times as he struggled to cope up with the passing of his father. He also added that he’s planning on seeking professional help once the series is over.

“Since nung namatay yung papa ko I've been really in a hard place and hindi ko kasi siya ina-address. So now parang nagbabayad ako dun lalo na sa pressure ngayon and daming nangyayari,” opened up Erram who was initially reluctant to reveal it, knowing that he might get judged as just making an excuse for his actions.

“I apologized and I’m seeking help para moving forward hindi lang para sa team pero para rin sa sarili ko for my family and syempre sa trabaho ko kasi if I don't seek help mahihirapan ako sa trabaho ko diba,” he added.

The 6-foot-7 center also revealed that it was not the first time he was seeking professional help for his mental health as he also went through it during the first PBA bubble.

Erram said that it’s been hard fighting through especially with the pressure of the Finals along with the jeering of the fans, all while keeping his inner self in control.

“Mahirap eh syempre ang dami mong naririnig sa court kahit na sabihin kong hindi nakakaaapekto may mga time talaga na nakaapekto and then nung last game, talagang naapektuhan talaga ako na dumating talaga sa point na nag-breakdown talaga ako,” he said.

“When I'm inside the court focus naman, outside lang talaga, syempre may mga times na papagalitan ka, misunderstanding, mayroon lang talagang mga sitwasyon na kailangan ko pa maayos kaya bigla akong pumipitik. ’Yun ‘yung di naiintindihan ng tao that’s why I'm seeking help,” he added.

For now, with one game to play, where it will all be determined, Erram is holding on to his faith and the belief of family, friends and teammates to soldier on.

‘’Being in those situation talaga sa pamilya lang ako tumitingin and naremind lang ako ng mga teammates yung family ko yung loved ones ko they reminded me na kahit anong mangyari manalo matalo andyan pa rin sila,’’ he added.