San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta finally got his first-ever win in the NCAA as the head coach of San Beda. And the victory was reminiscent of Red Lions of the past.
The Red Lions dominated Emilio Aguinaldo College 85- 56, bouncing back to their tough 66-55 loss on opening day against Mapua University.
Escueta, though, admitted that their debut loss still stings to this day.
It’s definitely a loss that is hard to forget since it was San Beda’s first opening day defeat in 16 years.
“Of course, masakit nga yung talo kasi nga medyo masama ‘yung pinakita ng team. But, at the same time sabi ko sa kanila na looking at the bigger picture, looking forward, it’s really about getting better,” said the youthful head coach.
“Pinakita namin ‘yung kailangan namin ayusin sa offense and defense, but it’s really about getting better everyday.”
Now that they are on the winning end, the former Ateneo assistant coach believes that this game is a huge first step for the team early in the season.
And of course, he looks forward to being a part of San Beda’s winning tradition as well.
“I think it’s a positive step kasi nga sinasabi ko sa kanila na it doesn’t matter if it’s a big or small step as long it’s moving forward. In terms of the winning attitude Boss MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan] explained to us his thought mindset of coming to the game and thinking that you’d win. So yun yung meron yung San Beda tradition talaga eh,” said Escueta, a former Red Cub.
“Mapa-juniors man yan or college yan, pag pumupunta ka sa basketball game yung mga players confident na talaga that they’re gonna win. But then again confidence comes from being able to work hard in practice, to do the extra stuff needed like weights and extra shooting,” he added.
“Yung winning attitude is always there kapag naka-San Beda ka.”
Despite giving the season host a beatdown to remember, Escueta still commended their effort saying that they are a team to watch out for while the season progresses.
“I’m sure this EAC team they have the ceiling and yung talent ng shooters nila and guards nila,” he claimed.
“I’m sure they’ll gonna get better as the season goes on.”
