So much hype surrounding this team in the pre-season, beaten by a lot of teams in the eliminations, had close games which they lost, people had second thoughts on their run to the championship, placed second at the end of the semis, went into the finals against the UV Green Lancers which they have not beaten from the eliminations until the semifinals. But who cares? As what sportscasters say, when you’re in the finals, it’s a different story – the competition and the drama is at its best. And whichever team handles the pressure well, will most likely win the championship.
Deja vu No More.
If you are able to watch the finals
last season, it was this team who fell short to the Webmasters in a do or die
game 7, but they never let that loss haunt them this season.
Slow Start. Strong Finish.
The historic Cebu Coliseum was
fielded with alumni, students and supporters from both teams. Just like what I see
in NCAA and UAAP games, the school pride is really there. Highly favored UV was
in control of the first half. They were able to use their talent and
athleticism at their advantage: anticipating the passing lanes and forcing turnovers
that resulted to fastbreak lay-ups. Early foul trouble of SWU’s guards also
became a factor to their aggressiveness. And really, the clear mismatch on the
guard position. There were times when Joseph Nalos had to guard Mercader and
the athletic Calo playing the point.
During
the second half, the Lancers silenced the Cobra faithful when they led by as
much as 18 points. They were able to click from the outside that resulted to
SWU’s defense to extend outside. The weird thing was when everyone in blue
balloons was losing hope, I never did. 18 points is a HUGE lead but with one
quarter more to go, 18 points, mathematically is very manageable, of course
with proper execution.
All they need was 4 minutes.
When
Ortuyo got his fourth foul, the guard rotation of coach Yayoy was in disarray. In
the last 4 minutes of the fourth, with still a double-digit disadvantage, I really
thought that he was going to field in Ortuyo but instead, he gambled on the
rookie Pajantoy. I really doubted, he was cold off the bench and might be experiencing
finals jitters. But I guess coaches know best as Pajantoy buried that jumper
from 15th that turned the game to Cobras’ side. He was manning the
point, driving to the basket and dishing it to the open man for the easy two. That
time I knew that this guy got some basketball IQ. If Jojo Lastimosa was the “4th
quarter man” in the PBA, well Pajantoy is the “last 4minutes of the 4th
quarter man” in CESAFI.
It
has been the guards and the big men of SWU that spelled the difference. Mbala
and Aboude were consistently solid scoring inside the paint and ganging on the
rebounds. And who can forget the hustle plays of Bregondo in the first half: not
giving up on the play and fighting for those offensive rebounds. Nalos has been
the Nalos that I have seen from the start of the season. Leading his team and
making big plays. Really a true leader – very clam and composed but you can see
in his eyes the fire, the intensity and the heart to win.
The
last two minutes was anybody’s ballgame but because of full court press applied
by the Cobras, the Lancers were forced to turnovers that led to easy baskets
for SWU.
It
was their composure and presence of mind that got them to the championship. From
the start, their mental and emotional strength was tested and they prevailed.
Coaching staff must have told the players a lot of words of wisdom during
practices.
Also,
I just love the teamwork of this team. Role players gave their best with the limited
minutes that coach Yayoy was giving to them. That’s really one of the things
that make a team even stronger. In basketball, talented players aren’t
dangerous but a talented team is.
I only have one unsolicited advice
for the Cobras especially for Aboude.: If he is able to develop that perimeter
shot, he’ll be a headache to opposing teams. He’ll be able to spread the floor,
extend the defense outside and eventually create open lanes for the cutting teammates
for a breakaway layup. Just like Belga and Quiñahan of Rain or Shine, they’re
able to bring their man outside the shaded lane resulting to an easy shot for
their teammates.
Defeated twice but bounced back
thrice. Congratulations SWU Cobras! One for the books.
See you next season.
Never say die!
Unleash the venom.
P.S.
It’s not on how you start the
game, it’s how you finish it.
No comments:
Post a Comment