Arellano University suffered heartbreak after heartbreak to start the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
In the Braves’ first game, they were dealt a 69-71 loss by Perpetual Help. Two days later, they fell to San Sebastian, 69-72.
Then came two more tough losses — a 55-56 defeat at the hands of Jose Rizal Univeristy and a 69-73 loss to La Salle Green Hills.
On the fifth day of the competition, Arellano went up against Letran — a team that was routing opponents left and right to the tune of 18.25 points per game.
Despite being up against insurmountable odds, Arellano senior SJ Moore had enough. He was just tired of losing.
“Nakakapagod matalo palagi e,” said Moore, who was averaging 16.0 points, 9.25 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.25 blocks per game prior to their clash versus the Squires.
“Kaya after nung fourth game namin, lahat ng game iniisip ko na last game na.”
Up against the Squires, Moore delivered a monster double-double performance of 24 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and a number of highlight reels.
For Moore, the victory was a long time coming.
“It’s a big win. I can’t do it without my teammates,” said the 6-foot-2 Manileno.
The 20-year-old has been drawing comparisons to fellow Filipino-American Jalen Green, who is currently playing in the NBA. Moore appreciates the comparison, but he says that he isn’t trying to model his game after the Houston Rockets star.
Instead, he looks up to a certain 5-foot-8 ‘kuya’ who plays in the seniors’ division for Arellano.
“Nakakatuwa na nakukumpara ako sa malakas na manlalaro, pero kung tutuusin malayo pa ako don e, sobrang layo,” he said about Green.
“Ang nilolook-up ko si Axel [Doromal] e. Kasi kahit gaano siya kaliit, palagi siya nakakahanap ng paraan para makascore.”
While the two players have different playstyles, they both bring buckets for Arellano. The victory over Letran serves as a statement win for the Braves and a testament to Moore’s ability to lead the team to a big win.
With his talent and determination, Moore is certainly a player to watch.
