THE sweet end to Letran’s long and agonizing 22-year title wait is seemingly within its reach.
While La Salle Green Hills’ search for its own glory is shorter since the Greenies won it all in 2017, they certainly don’t want to end up as footnotes to the Squires’ dream season.
Letran goes for the jugular when the two squads collide anew today in Game 2 of their best-of-3 title battle in the 98th NCAA juniors’ basketball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The match is set at 2:30 p.m., with the Squires raring to bag their first crown since 2001.
But the Greenies are equally determined to atone for an 81-85 loss in Game 1 and forge a knockout duel for all the marbles on Monday, March 20, at the same venue.
“Masaya kami pero hindi pa tapos ang championship,” Letran ace guard Andy Gemao said.
“Marami po kaming lessons na napulot sa laro noong Game 1. Tulad po ng kung paano po kami magiging composed sa maraming crowd kasi lahat po kami rookie.
“Inaabangan ko po talaga iyong twin towers (Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate of La Salle Green Hills). Siguro po may gagawin silang adjustments. Nasa amin na din po iyon kung paano namin hihigpitan iyong depensa namin,” he added.
Aside from Gemao, the Squires are expected to bank on Jonathan Manalili, George Diamante, Emman Anabo, June Silorio and Jovel Baliling.
La Salle Green Hills rookie coach Renren Ritualo admitted his wards faltered when it mattered most in the finals opener.
“Sabi ko nga, maganda noong first half pero noong second half, they ran away from the game plan. So that’s what happened,” Ritualo said. “Well, patience because medyo nainip kami. We want the home run right away so in any game, that can’t happen.”
Gagate, Pablo, Rod Alian, CJ Mesias, Santi Romero, and James Ison will be counted upon by the Greenies to deliver.
