By: Rom Anzures
Syrex Silorio introduced himself when it mattered the most.
La Salle Green Hills threatened to take the game, as they were up by 12, 44-32, with a little over two minutes left in the first half. But Silorio put up a career-best performance of 27 points alongside seven boards, three assists, a steal, and a block in 28 minutes.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran has drawn first blood in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors’ Basketball Finals.
The 6-foot-3, Grade 11 senior out of National University Nazareth School said that he didn’t expect this particular match to be his breakout game with the Squires. Still, he had always been putting in the work so that he would be ready once his number was called.
“Di ko po inexpect, tiyaka sinimulan lang po namin sa ensayo, sinimulan sa disiplina, focus sa practice, at sinusunod ko lang yung sinabi ni Coach Allen (Ricardo),” said Silorio, who was averaging just 6.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 12 minutes of action prior to the Finals.
Going up against the massive LSGH frontline of Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo made Silorio’s output more impressive. However, he bared that it really took a team effort in trying to contain Green Hills’ twin towers.
“Yung sa matchup po namin, hindi po madaling bantayan ‘yun kasi sobrang laki. Pinagharapan lang namin ni (George) Diamante,” he said as their efforts led to the Squires outrebounding the Greenies, 56-48.
Letran head coach Allen Ricardo acknowledged the tireless preparation and focus Silorio showed ahead of their finals match-up against the Greenies.
“He really worked hard. Not just in this game, but during the practices, I saw his focus that he really wanted to win. He’s one of our x-factors,” said Ricardo.
“The kid’s heart is amazing. He really played his heart out.”
Silorio also added that even if it is a daunting task to clinch the series after being up 1-0, he and the Squires are already going for the win and ending their 22-year title drought.
“Kailangan lang po naming diinan as a team tiyaka go for the kill.”
