Though San Beda University squad held a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, head coach Yuri Escueta never felt comfortable with the Red Lions’ advantage.
He understood the risks that came with such a lead and the potential for a turnaround.
“You can easily get out-coached kapag hindi ka ready. Kailangan handa ka sa lahat na bubunutin ni Coach Olsen (Racela),” Escueta explained.
This match-up against the Altas was particularly significant for Escueta, as it marked the first time he faced off against his cousin Racela.
Escueta, a former Ateneo guard, was acutely aware of Racela’s capabilities from the sidelines, even in his first season coaching in the NCAA. Racela is also a former Ateneo guard.
“Familiarity as family, of course there is, pero as a coach, of course he always has something na bubunutin,” he noted.
For the first three quarters, Escueta and his Red Lions were well-equipped to handle Racela’s defensive schemes.
The third-year tactician emphasized the importance of collapsing the Perpetual defenders into the paint and kicking the ball out to the Red-and-White shooters.
His players executed that plan effectively, maintaining control of the game.
“During the second half, I think we did a better job kicking out to our shooters and spacing, especially with the kind of defense they play. Knowing Perpetual, yung defense nila, they really pack, they collapse, or they shrink the painted area,” Escueta said.
“That’s why we keep telling our guys – sina Jomel (Puno) – you have to be able to jump, stop, and pass that ball, or skip that ball to our shooters.”
However, in the fourth and final frame, coach Racela pulled from his bag of tricks, surprising the Bedans with a variety of defensive schemes that completely slowed down their offense.
Escueta acknowledged Racela’s adjustments, recognizing their effectiveness.
“Dami niya – nag-zone siya, nag-man siya, nag-1-3-1 siya, nag-1-2-2 siya, nag-2-3 siya. So yun yung mga things na you really have to be prepared for,” Escueta added.
“Concepts na lang yan offensively for us, and I think we were unable to execute nung fourth quarter yung concepts namin.”
Racela’s adjustments held San Beda to just three points for the remainder of the quarter after they had attained an 11-point lead.
The Altas capitalized on this momentum, narrowing the gap to just one point at 62-63 and creating tense final moments where they had a chance to steal the victory.
With seven seconds left, the Red Lions turned the ball over to the Altas, leaving Perpetual’s JP Boral in the corner for a potential game-winner.
Boral’s shot fell just short against the front rim, allowing Escueta to breathe a sigh of relief as his team prevailed over Racela in the first of what will surely be many exciting coaching battles in the NCAA.
