It was just the first game.
But there was no doubt what the win against the tournament favorites meant for the Red Lions of San Beda as the basketball tournament of the 101st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association officially started last Wednesday night at the Big Dome.
In a pre-tournament prediction that The Designated Kit Man saw posted online, a student publication picked the Blazers as the team to beat this season, followed by the defending champions Mapua Cardinals, then the Letran Knights and the Red Lions at fourth. Can’t blame the kids, who made the picks, it is but expected to pick your own after all owing to the lofty status of the Blazers, much more the fact that even some pundits placed CSB on top of the pecking order. Reality, however, is very much far away from expectations as the Blazers got mangled by the Red Lions.
From a close battle in the opening quarter, San Beda went hot in the last few minutes of the second quarter en route to the third canto to hold a spirited comeback by the College of Saint Benilde in the final period to post a convincing 96-85 win.
“Hindi naman namin ini-expect na tatambakan namin sila. We just played defense which I think was the key during the second and third quarter. Doon lumaki ang lead namin because of our defense. While we were making stops, we were also making our shots,” Yukien Andrada, Red Lions skipper, told The Designated Kit Man.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag was limited to just 12 points, but was almost responsible for fuelling a fiery Blazers’ comeback in the fourth period. CSB came to within six, 91-85, late in the game, but the Red Lions roared back with a 5-0 closing run to win the game.
It was also notable that the Red Lions executed a well-oiled offense with four players scoring in double figures, not to mention a solid ball movement, which showed a lot of maturity on the Red Lions’ side.
“Malaking tulong sa game namin ‘yung mga team buildings prior to the tournament. Nakita ko talaga sa game namin ‘yung trust ng bawat isa na willing sila na ipasa ang bola kahit kanino. We really have that trust in each other that they will make those shots,” Andrada shared.
Andrada also heaped praises on the rookies of the team. He said they really showed up and proved their doubters wrong. Janti Miller and Jimmy Reyes scored in double digits, while Zedjay Etulle and Joe Celzo had at least six points for a balanced offense. Pro-bound Bryan Sajonia and Miller topscored for the Red Lions with 16 points apiece, while Andrada chipped in 11. Except for one, all players fielded by coach Yuri Escueta scored at least two points or more.
“Wala akong doubt sa kanila. Hindi ako na-surprise actually. Alam ko ‘yung capability nila on the offensive side at malaki ang tiwala ng team sa lahat ng rookies namin lalo na sina Janti at Jimmy. Kahit rookie ka sa team as long as you play well at kitang-kita ang confidence, talagang malaki ang maitutulong mo sa team,” Andrada, who is set to join Magnolia in the pro ranks after the tournament, said.
While visibly pumped up by the statement win, Andrada cautions his team not to be overconfident and feel that the tournament is for them to lose. It was just the opening game and the tournament, with its new format, is a long way to go. The Red Lions will have to remain focused and consistent to entertain thoughts of bringing back the title once more in Mendiola. They still have to contend against the favored Cardinals, the Knights and of course the Blazers, not to mention the “dark horse” teams of Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help.
Next stop will be another big battle as the Red Lions take on perennial rival and familiar adversary the Knights of Colegio de San Juan Letran this Sunday, October 5 at Fil-Oil Arena in San Juan City.
“Mas dodoblehin namin ang effort kasi rivalry game ito. And this rivalry against Letran will always bring the best of both teams. Tingin ko dikdikan talaga ito hanggang dulo at it will really depend on how much each team wants to win the game,” Andrada added.
The Red Lions’ path to redemption has just started. There will be lots of obstacles along the way – surprises, too, will be many. The team will be tested again and again but it is quite comforting and morale boosting to know that the journey to redemption has started on the right step. Winning the first game is the best way to start. It gives the team a reason to smile and a little validation that this season will be much different from the last. Moreover, when so many reasons predict them to fail, they have all the answers to shut them down.
While it is too early to say, I believe that the road to the NCAA title will lead to Mendiola as long as the Red Lions keep the faith and the belief that they can and are capable of giving their best every game of the season.
Animo! Go San Beda Fight!
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
