The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights mourned their third loss in four games this season on Tuesday night — one made all the more painful because it came at the hands of archrivals San Beda Red Lions, a team that the Knights have yet to beat since the NCAA Season 91 Finals.
“Ever since naman, ayaw ko nagpapatalo sa mga ganyan eh,” lamented second-year Letran head coach Jeff Napa, who fell to 0-3 against San Beda.
“Para akong toro na nakakita ng pulang tela na gusto kong sugurin ang lahat. It’s so happen na di sa amin nabigay.”
Letran were able to keep pace with the defending champions, even leading by as much as 10 points late in the second frame. However, Letran’s lack of depth could not match the arsenal of San Beda.
Out of the 13 players he fielded in, only six players scored. But outside of the quartet of Jerrick Balanza (20 points), Bong Quinto (19), Rey Nambatac (18), and JP Calvo (14), the rest of the team could not make a single field goal, combining for just three measly points.
“It’s a matter of ibang players na aming inaasahan, hindi nag-de-deliver,” furthered Napa.
Moreover, since the Knights had been relying solely on their main guys, this should serve as a lesson for the rest of the Knights to step up, especially in the big games.
“Nag-sacrifice yung main guys,” said Napa, pertaining to the 37 minutes played by Nambatac and Quinto. “Ayaw na magpapalit kasi alam naman nila yung problema namin eh. Collective decision, keep the main guys inside.”
Still, Letran had a lot of chances to retake the lead in the final frame that brought positives for the multi-time UAAP Juniors Basketball champion mentor.
“Despite that, marami naman kaming positive things na nakita,” the youthful mentor admitted.
“Kaya naman pala namin maglaro ng ganung level.”
– BY: Danine Cruz
