San Beda University head coach Boyet Fernandez acknowledged what San Sebastian College-Recoletos did in their tight contest in the NCAA Season 97 on Friday.
The Stags put up a fight all game long, pushing the Red Lions on the brink of their first defeat before JB Bahio sank a game-winning putback in the dying seconds that sealed the deal for San Beda, 61-60, as they improved to 4-0.
But Fernandez said San Sebastian deserved to be praised for a well-prepared game plan against his squad.
"I'm happy that JB Bahio made that followup shot. We really did execute well in the fourth quarter, especially in the last few seconds of the game," Fernandez said in the post-game interview.
"But again, I'll not take away this game from San Sebastian."
Despite Rommel Calahat, JM Calma, and Jessie Sumoda turning in strong performances, San Sebastian fell to 1-3 to slump into the lower half of the standings.
But Fernandez credited San Sebastian, who outrebounded them in the match, as well head coach Egay Macaraya, whom he played with in the pro ranks in the early 90s.
"Coach Egay was my teammate before in the PBA and I'm happy with the way he's been coaching San Sebastian," Fernandez said.
"It may just be a physical game but again, I salute San Sebastian for this. Malakas 'yung team na 'yon."
—JMB, GMA News
