La Salle Green Hills’ head coach Renren Ritualo experienced a tough loss as his team suffered an 81-85 defeat against Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Game One Finals of the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball on Monday.
Despite their great start and 12-point lead in the first half, the team fell apart in the second half, going down 85-81.
Ritualo admitted that patience was lacking in their game plan and that their impatience resulted in not following the team’s goal.
The team’s game plan was in shambles, and the players were unable to execute their plan.
“Well, patience,” the head tactician stated. “On our team, it’s patience, because medyo nainip kami eh. We want the home run right away, so in any game that can’t happen.
“Maganda nga nung first half, second half they ran away from the game plan, so that’s what happened.”
Luis Pablo was his usual self in the game, finishing with 22 points and 19 rebounds. However, fellow big man Seven Gagate was saddled with foul trouble, settling with a line of 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Rod Alian, who was the spark of LSGH in the first half, also figured in foul trouble, as he was limited to just 14 points on 18 shots with seven turnovers.
The Greenies also saw themselves committing 24 turnovers in the game, which was a significant factor that led to their loss. They were also outrebounded by Letran throughout the game by eight, 56-48.
“That’s up to the players. I’m just gonna guide them, I’m gonna tell them ito ‘yung gagawin natin. So, ‘wag tayong maiinip. We have to be patient because every time we turn the ball over, we have to pay for that,” expressed the 43-year-old La Salle Legend.
“Kailangan talagang aalagain namin ‘yung bola kasi, we turned the ball over 24 times, and we lost rebounding. So that’s the ball game right there.”
Despite the loss, Ritualo plans to leave the team’s fate in his players’ hands and will guide them through the process. He emphasized the importance of patience in playing and that every time they turn the ball over, they have to pay for it.
Ritualo acknowledged the physicality of the game against Letran and said that mental preparation is necessary to win. He encouraged his players to be mentally ready and to know what is coming, as they have already played against Letran three times before.
“So, ‘yun they just have to be mentally prepared. And then siyempre, sabi ko sa kanila, ‘You can’t second guess yourselves now because it’s the championship’.”
Ritualo will continue to guide his players and hopes that they will bounce back from their Game One loss to bring home the championship.
