By Jerome Lagunzad
Game Thursday
(Smart-Araneta Coliseum)
3:30 p.m. – San Beda vs Lyceum
(Game 2, Red Lions lead series 1-0)
Down but not out.
That’s what Lyceum coach Topex Robinson is trying to convey to the team’s supporters, confident that the Pirates can get back at defending champion San Beda in Game 2 on Thursday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and drag the Red Lions into a sudden-death showdown for the 93rd NCAA seniors basketball crown.
Fresh from a 22-day break since completing an 18-game sweep of the eliminations, the Pirates were jolted back to their senses on Friday night when the Red Lions displayed their championship pedigree down the stretch and came away with a 94-87 victory to move within reach of a 21st title.
The Pirates, meanwhile, find themselves in an uncomfortable situation and with a little room for any costly mistake that could turn what started a dream run into a complete nightmare.
But Robinson remained defiant, saying: “Just like what I always tell these guys, it’s not gonna define us just because of the loss. What’s gonna define us as a team is how we’re gonna bounce back.”
It’s easier said than done, however, after the Pirates squandered a 12-point lead in the third canto and crumbled in the face of the Red Lions’ steady closeout led by talismanic playmaker Robert Bolick who scored nine of their last 11 points.
Robinson, like a fine gentleman that he’s been, made himself accountable for their meltdown. “My players played well.
They really played well. I told them, it’s my fault. I made some bad decisions, bad coaching. I’ll try to lead them better come Game 2. I’ll be a better coach next game.”
Reigning league MVP CJ Perez delivered as usual with a team-high 25 points on top of eight rebounds while vital cogs Cameroon center Mike Nzeusseu and wingman MJ Ayaay were equally solid on their finals debut with a combined 25-point, 15-rebound performance.
The rest of the Pirates, including the Marcelino twins Jaycee and Jayvee, however, failed to provide enough support, something that their Red Lions counterparts, led by pro-bound Davon Potts and AC Soberano, did as what they’ve done before.
“They really felt bad,” shared Robinson. “Pero sabi ko nga ‘Hindi niyo kasalanan. I mean, Hindi niyo buhat ang buong mundo.’ That’s why we’re a family. We cover for each other. This is our team. We have really have to work together.”
Even the 6-foot-1 Perez felt they put their best foot forward. It’s just a matter of doubling their efforts, he added.
“Kailangan namin bumawi,” said the proud Bautista, Pangasinan native. “Lalaruin pa rin namin ‘yung makakaya namin sa next game namin. Actually walang nagbago sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. At least ginawa namin ‘yung best namin today.”
With a near week-long break, Robinson said he’s giving his wards enough time to interact with their respective families and “lick their wounds at the same time” before they go back to the drawing board.
