I think the key word in the story is "tap", which to me implies a sudden application of brake, which is not good. At the best you stand the bike up and run wide, at worst you go down or run wide into oncoming traffic.
+1 squeeze down on the brake and give the tire chance to get some grip. You can brake pretty hard all the way into the Apex even while leaned over if you do it nice & smooth.
It all takes practice...
Anyway glad to hear your OK.