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Tiebreaker Times

Suspensions to role players could cost Altas their season


The Perpetual Altas are in danger of not making the Final Four this year.

Prior to last Friday’s huge NCAA triple-header, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas were at the top of the heap with an 11-4 record. The results of their last two games weren’t favorable though as the team fell to the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and, last September 29, to the spoiler this season, the San Sebastian Golden Stags.

Now, with an 11-6 slate and with just one game remaining, against the Letran Knights, the Altas are in danger of losing a shot at the NCAA Championship.

After their loss to the Stags, coach Aric del Rosario was visibly disappointed with the sudden turn of events the team is going through. “Gusto nila mas dumaan kami sa hirap,” Del Rosario quipped.

In both games, the Las Piñas-based squad had the lead during the first quarter (17-11 against JRU, 22-15 against San Sebastian) but had abrupt drop-offs come the second half. “Dun ako natakot [gaining the lead in the first half],” the veteran coach said. “Kasi nung last game namin [against JRU], ganun din. Lamang kami sa una tapos hinabol lang.”

The drop-offs though were because of the team losing Nestor Bantayan and Niko Cabiltes, key role players for the team, to suspensions according to him. “Namiss namin mga role players namin. Tulad ni Bantayan, nakakabantay na tapos minsan nakakashoot pa. Si Cabiltes din pang depensa.”

NCAA-91-AU-vs.-UPHSD-Bantayan-Holts-Thompson Suspensions to role players could cost Altas their season  - philippine sports news

Nestor Bantayan, Dioncee Holts, Scottie Thompson

Del Rosario expressed his frustrations about the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals during the scrum. “Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ko kay commissioner. Sabi ko yun ‘yung ginagawa ng team na out na, naghahanap na lang ng away,” he expressed with frustration. “Kagaya ako nadamay ako, nadamay team ko. Okay si Cabiltes na-out dahil sa away, pero nandun sila nag-aantay sa labas tapos inano ng EAC.”

“Nandun yung manager nila sa gym. Umaawat lang si Cabiltes tapos umikot yung Pascua, sinuntok siya sa batok. Di ginawa ni Bantayan hinabol niya.”

NCAA-91-SSCR-vs.-UPHSD-Thompson-drive-7133 Suspensions to role players could cost Altas their season  - philippine sports newsIn addition to the loss of two rotation players, the legendary coach also added that the grind of the season has also taken its toll on Smart Elite ambassador Scottie Thompson. “Na-markahan na tsaka napagod na si Scott. Kasi siya nag-oopensa, dumedepensa, at nagbababa ng bola. Hinog na rin ‘yung tao.”

Through all this, Del Rosario is still optimistic about their chances even if it is against the mighty Knights. “Sabi ko sa kanila, hanggang may laro tayo, huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Kung manalo tayo sa Letran, magta-tie tayo sa pang-apat.”

“Bahala na ang Diyos.”

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