Mark Omega was a monster on the boards for Perpetual Help System DALTA’s 75-72 overtime win against San Beda University on Saturday.
Omega shattered the rebounding record for the season, grabbing a season-high 22 rebounds, helping get the revenge win versus the Red Lions to whom they lost in the first round with a blowout, 52-71.
Happy was the Altas head coach Myk Saguiguit after finally seeing his big man back to his true form as he dealt with a personal problem.
“Kasi alam mo two games na wala [mentally] si Mark eh kasi parang meron siyang pinagdadaanan e. Kumbaga yung focus niya parang hindi… I even talked to him e, umiyak pa nga sa harap ko yan. For personal reasons,” said the second-year head coach.
“Sabi ko Mark kalimutan mo na yan, kailangan ka ng team. E kanina pag dating dito nakita ko yung aura e. Yung aura na talagang pang Mark Omega e. Sabi ko maganda tatrabahuhin niyan. So ayun nga, 22 rebounds.”
Indeed he was right as his ‘rebound king’ was back, grabbing the most boards in a single game this season.
It was also the right time for him to step up as this was the first time Perpetual beat San Beda since Season 91.
Thanks to his teammates, Omega is finally back to his old self after being motivated by them.
“Sa ngayon okay na. Kasi nung nakaraan marami akong iniisip na ano eh, na negativity kaya di ako makapaglaro ng maayos. Ngayon, okay na ako kasi lahat ng teammates ko mino-motivate ako. Di lang teammates ko, pati coaches ko,” said Omega.
“Gumising daw ako kasi hindi nila nakikita yung MDO na dati,” he continued.
“Sobrang laking tulong non kasi dun ko ulit nakuha yung kumpyansa ko e para makapaglaro ng maayos.”
And now that his back — mentally, at least. The former Letran Squire is more than happy to embrace his role for his squad.
“Oo [ineembrace ko]. Yun lang yung role ko sa team. Sa team bonus lang yung score sakin eh. Kailangan ko talaga rumebound kasi ako yung big man e. So parang yun lang yung [pinaka] role ko sa team,” said the sophomore center.
“First time mangyari neto sakin. Sobrang blessed ko sa Panginoon kasi nakukuha ko po yung stats na ganyan.”
