By Abby Toralba
LETRAN coach Rensy Bajar is hoping their 86-71 breakthrough win against San Sebastian College two days ago would be the turning point in their campaign in the 99th NCAA basketball tournament.
That victory, achieved without veteran Kurt Reyson who is dealing with a groin injury, broke the Knights’ seven game losing skid.
“Syempre, napakasaya because kahit papaano nalampasan namin iyong 0-7. May isa na kami despite na medyo kulang-kulang iyong team, maraming may sakit sa mga players namin. I give credit to all my players kasi sila talaga iyong naglaro, sila iyong gustong Manalo, so kami is just to support them, guide them for this win,” Bajar said.
Bajar said the win will give his wards the needed confidence to bounce back big.
“I’m positive (about it). We will enjoy this win then bukas balik kami to prepare for Saint Benilde. Positive ako na sana ito na ‘yung turning point for our season,” said Bajar, who took over from coach Bonnie Tan.
Bajar admitted there is immense pressure for the team to deliver and retain the crown but added he trusts his players.
“Nandoon iyon (pressure). Kasama naman iyong pressure and challenges kasi we’re the defending champions. Siyempre, itong mga bata, mga players namin, nasa rebuilding process kami, puro bata ito so andoon iyong pressure na nararamdaman nila,” he said, pointing to their games against Jose Rizal University, Lyceum and San Beda that they could have won.
“Winnable ang mga games na ‘yun, iyon nga lang, breaks of the game, hindi napunta sa amin,” he said.
“We are just taking one step at a time at ‘yung experience ng team namin sana mabuo, hindi kapos, kumbaga parang ganun.
“Hopefully, ito iyong magbibigay sa amin ng lakas. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, mag-enjoy lang kayo sa game, hindi kayo kailangang ma-pressure. Just enjoy the game. Kung sino dapat ‘yung ma-pressure, ako yun,” he said.
On Sunday, Letran faces rival College of Saint Benilde at 2:40 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan to end the first round of eliminations.
