THE hardest part in Letran’s title-retention bid? The Knights had a big bullseye at their backs.
Coach Bonnie Tan was just glad his charges learned to overcome pressure, making it very hard for their foes to hit the bullseye, in bagging their second straight title as the curtains fell on the 97th NCAA basketball tournament.
“Mas mahirap ito na mas masaya kasi nga we don’t know how to defend the crown. . . nasa top kami lagi, hindi kami sanay sa ganoon and mas maganda iyong nasa likod lang kami, dehado kami,” Tan said.
“At least we pulled through. Natuto na rin kami how to defend the title and being favored,” he added.
Tan spoke after Letran turned back hard-fighting Mapua University 75-65 last Sunday in Game 2 of their best-of-3 finals duel at The Arena in San Juan that completed the Knights’ 12-0 perfect season, first in the league since San Beda University went 16-0 in 2010.
The Knights also held off the Cardinals 68-63 in the finals opener last May 15.
Tan said Intramuros-based cagers did not entertain thoughts of going unscathed in the tourney held during the pandemic.
“Hindi namin tiningnan iyong sweep kasi with a short tournament na ibinigay sa atin na format, ang hirap matalo, maka-recover,” Tan said.
“Mas mahirap ito kasi hindi naman kami sanay na kami ang llamado, palagi kaming dehado sa mga napupuntahan ko dati.”
Banking on a fiery start where they led by as much as 21 points, Letran had to thwart an endgame fightback from Mapua for its first back-to-back title triumph since 1998 and 1999.
“Sawa na kami na catch up basketball ang nilalaro. We know Mapua came back strong sa second half, but we’re expecting na magbibigay sila ng magandang laban,” Tan said.
“Mas gusto na namin iyon ang mangyari kaysa kami ang humahabol especially dito sa championship game.”
Finals MVP Jeo Ambohot, shooter Allen Mina, and backup big man Christian Fajarito have all used up their playing years, but the likes of newly-minted Rookie of the Year and MVP winner Rhenz Abando, Fran Yu, Louie Sangalang, Brent Paraiso, and King Caralipio are expected to return and lead the Knight’s drive for a three-peat.
