The Mapua Cardinals narrowly escaped the Benilde Blazers Tuesday, 77-72, leaving head coach Atoy Co disappointed about his group’s effort in the first of Mapua’s two must-win games to close out the elimination round.
“They took the game with complacency. I told them we have to play our game but in the first two quarters it’s like everyone wants to shoot,” Co shared.
“Akala siguro nila it is a blowout game kaya they did not want to play defense anymore and they just wanted to shoot.”
The Cardinals improved to 11-6 with the win and shall have the EAC Generals as their last assignment in the elimination round of NCAA Season 91.
But Co wants a different Mapua team to show up when they face the Generals, knowing they are still in contention for at least a playoff for the Final Four spot.
“That’s what I have been telling them. We have to win the last two games to still be in contention for the Final Four,” he said, adding he is already looking forward to his team showing its playoff form.
“We should not be overconfident. Benilde and EAC have nothing to lose. We have so many things to lose by losing just one game. Mga bata yan, may ganyan talagang mga tendency. Parang easy kami tapos kapag dumidikit na tsaka kami matatauhan,” he said.
“It’s a constant reminder from our coaching staff.”
