Entering the NCAA Season, the core of the San Beda College Red Lions were on a high. The defending champions’ marquee players were part of the Cignal-San Beda Hawkeyes that won the Aspirants Cup in the PBA D-League. Then, the Red Lions had flat-out dominated the Premier Cup, sweeping the tournament.
But as they say, the NCAA Season is a whole different animal.
After successfully opening their title defense bid against hosts San Sebastian Golden Stags, the Lyceum Pirates showed the Red Lions the reality that is the season itself, handing San Beda their sole loss so far.
“Nung pre-season wala kaming talo so it felt like naging complacent kami, it felt like na parang we’re invulnerable sa ibang teams na di kami matatalo.
“Siguro it’s a blessing na din. It’s part na something na sa team na every game kailangan double pa yung effort namin kasi matatalo kami eh. Yun nga, natalo na kami. Effort and teamwork pa lalo,” shared fourth-year forward Javee Mocon.
Since that loss, the Red Lions were able to pick up three straight wins, including an impressive 81-74 win against arch-rivals Letran Knights to move to 4-1. And Mocon played a huge part in the game, flirting with a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
“Ginawa ko lang yung always ginagawa ko every game. Doing extra passes. Luckily, na-shoot nila mga pasa ko, naka-rebound, and everything else,” reflected the 22-year old.
For Mocon, who is averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season, the loss to Lyceum taught them that they should be consistent at all times as every one is gunning for them.
“Sa team naman, with coach Boyet [Fernandez] coming back, may mga rookies like sila [Clint] Doliguez who wants to prove something, Davon [Potts] going to the PBA, and Robert [Bolick],” the San Beda lifer said.
“We just have to like every game and give it all out kasi all the teams are behind us.”
