For the first time this season, the Lyceum Pirates faced a double-digit lead. And it came at the hands of the Letran Knights, a team that had momentum on their side with a four-game winning streak.
However, the league-leading Pirates were able to find a higher gear in the final frame. And as the Pirates surged, the Knights faltered in the final frame, getting frustrated at times while the starters were not able to get bench support, as Lyceum scored a 75-68 come-from-behind win.
“Hindi naman Lyceum ang tumalo sa amin. Sarili namin.
“Nung dulo kasi ang daming questionable close na rin so di na namin mababawi yun. Kami naman, mga players, positibo pa rin,” Napa rued. “Yung mga magic bunots ko, hindi gano umobra. Walang nag-step up sa bench.
“Yung mga main guys pa rin naglaro ng heavy minutes kaya nagsuffer parin kami. Kailangan ko ulit mag adjust at i-check ulit yung mga mindset ng mga players namin lalo na yung off the bench para marecall nila ang roles nila sa team,” the second-year Letran mentor added.
The troika of Rey Nambatac, JP Calvo, and Bong Quinto logged in more than 30 minutes in the contest, while Jerrick Balanza played 28 minutes. Moreover, the four cagers scored all but 23 of the 68 total points of Letran.
And with the Knights losing big man Jeo Ambohot for the season, the supporting cast of Letran should step up, according to Napa.
“Malaking factor ang kawalan ni Jeo kasi, rotation yan. Mabigat yung 8 points, 8 rebounds, at 3 blocks a game pero di naman excuse yun para di kami maglaro ng tama,” said Napa, as Letran ended their first round campaign with a 5-4 slate.
“It’s all a matter ng pag-step up sa mga bubunitin ko sa bench.”
Still, with the fearlessness his team showed against the Pirates, Napa hopes that the Knights can sustain the strong effort they showed in the opening round come the next stage of the tournament.
“Ganun parin kami. Stand parin na be humble, maglaro at give our best kahit sino kalaban namin,” he declared.
“Wala kasi kaming pakielam kung sino yung kalaban namin, pakielam namin sarili namin.”
