Coming into the season, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights were expected to give the San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum Pirates a run for their money. But in their first outings against the two top-tier squads, the Knights were handed heartbreak.
In a span of seven days, the loaded Knights were handed two losses – both 82-87 defeats to the defending champions and last season’s runners-up.
Still, the Knights are as defiant and as hungry as ever.
“First round? Eh ‘di panindigan nila ngayon yung top two nila, pero ‘di pa rin sila nakakasigurado na top two sila,” declared third-year Knights head coach Jeff Napa after the Knights vented their ire on the Mapua Cardinals, 84-62, last Tuesday. “Ganun lang ka-simple.
“Basta kami we’ll just do our best para mapakita namin sa mga madlang people na deserving kami na nandun kami sa posisyon na ‘yun.”
No one took the losses harder than graduating senior Bong Quinto. Both times, the burly forward was seen crumpling to the floor after the final whistle had sounded.
Knowing that they can keep up with the big boys of the Grand Old League, the Letran lifer can’t wait to get back at their arch-rivals and neighbors.
“Siyempre, lahat ng pain na nakuha namin sa dalawang talo namin, dinadala namin sa practices. Especially dito sa game, sabi nga namin nina coach, babalik talaga kami,” vowed Qiunto, who is averaging 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season.
“Pagdating ng second round, kung sinong tumalo sa amin, gagantihan namin.
