James Kwekuteye had a career night for San Beda University.
Kwekuteye scored his NCAA career-high against College of St. Benilde, dropping 28 points on 11-of-26, eight rebounds, an assist, and two steals.
However, the outcome was not what he had hoped for as the Red Lions absorbed their third loss of the season after their 78-69 defeat on this one.
“It’s a great feeling but we still lost, so 28 doesn’t mean anything because we still lost,” said Kwekuteye minutes after their loss.
It was a tough one for Kwekuteye as he did everything he could for the Red Lions this game, scoring 18 markers in the second half just to keep pace with the Blazers.
The 24-year-old admitted that he felt that his effort went for naught as he wasn’t able to take the win due to a one-man from Benilde who stole the show in the fourth.
“Well, I just wanted to win so I just helped my team as much as I can. But we came out short in the end. Due to the crucial two three-pointers, Oczon made. So it’s pretty hard on that,” said Kwekuteye.
“We tried to fight back, but end up losing. That was the result but I tried, I tried, I tired.”
Despite the loss, Kwekuteye still gives credit where credit is due. After all, his duel with CSB’s Migs Oczon was a fun one.
“He’s a good shooter. Credits to him. His teammates are finding him and he’s making his shots. He’s doing what he does for his team, making three-pointers, doing what he does best. So credits to him,” said the senior Kwekuteye to the rookie Oczon.
“We gonna get them back in the second round for sure. Hundred percent.”