There was no other feeling but satisfaction for Michael Calisaan.
The Che’lu-San Sebastian Revellers forward has always been vocal about beating the Zark’s-Lyceum Jawbreakers ever since.
His first try last February 27 — which, ironically, was his birthday — was a success as they won, 97-88. However, he was not there for the end game as he hurt his elbow, resulting in his exit late in the game.
Which is why he couldn’t be happier that he was able to finally savor a win over them in the 2018 D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals opener on Tuesday night, as the Revellers downed the Jawbreakers, 107-103, at the Pasig City Sports Center.
“Yes, gigil. Sobrang sarap,” said the 23-year-old forward after the bout, where he churned out a double-double performance of 15 points and 12 rebounds along with three assists, to help Che’lu-San Sebastian gain a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three affair.
Making the win even sweeter was the fact that the Revellers pulled it off without veteran guard Jeff Viernes. The 28-year-old is no longer be available for the Finals, as he has been activated by mother team GlobalPort Batang Pier in the PBA.
“Kami naglaro lang kami as one eh
“Naglaro kami as a team, kasi ganado kami na makuha yung goal namin eh, yung mag-champion,” said the 6-foot-4 Calisaan.
Still, Calisaan knows that he can’t celebrate this early. But he’s hard-pressed more than ever to finish off Zark’s-Lyceum in Game Two, which will be this Thursday, April 26, at the Ynares Sports Arena still in Pasig.
“Kulang pa, kasi kailangan pa ng isang panalo para talagang solid yung sarap,” said Calisaan, who is making his first-ever Finals appearance.
“Isa pa, magcha-champion na kami. Sana makuha namin. Magtutulong-tulong kami.”
