Andy Gemao’s 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal led Colegio de San Juan de Letran to a 94-76 victory against Jose Rizal University, a welcome return to the win column after their first loss of the season last week at the hands of Arellano University.
Gemao admitted that the team’s unbeaten record had gone to their heads and that the tight single-elimination schedule was taking its toll.
“Nag-adjust po kami galing sa last game namin kasi last game parang sobrang overconfident na po namin.
“Kaya ngayon pinick-up namin from the start pati sa trainings po… Parang naging complacent din kami kasi yung Arellano nga po 0-4 nun. So yun parang walang energy yung games namin, pati yung depensa namin wala dun sa dulo,” said the 16-year-old, Grade 10 Squire.
The loss to Arellano University, which had been struggling to get their first win of the season, was a shock for Letran, but it proved to be a wake-up call for the team.
Gemao was grateful that they were able to experience this early in the season.
“Wake-up call yun. Buti dun din nangyari hindi sa last part ng season para madali kami makabounce back at yung momentum namin tuloy-tuloy,” said Gemao, who is averaging 19.17 points, 6.67 rebounds, and 2.33 steals.
Gemao also acknowledged the contributions of his teammates Jonathan Manalili, who finished with 19 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and four steals, and George Diamante, who had a double-double of 11 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
“Matagal ko naman na po silang kasama, sa preseason pa na games. Nagsshine talaga yang sila kasi yung mantra talaga kasi ni Coach Allen dapat lahat mabigyan ng chance.”
Letran’s resilience and team spirit bode well for the rest of the season, and with players like Gemao, Manalili, and Diamante leading the charge, they are sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the league.
