San Beda University head coach Boyet Fernandez was relieved that Mapua University wasn't able to bank on its biggest weapon—three-pointers—in their Final Four clash on Sunday in the NCAA Season 97.
In the elimination round, Mapua proved to be deadly from beyond the arc, leading all teams in three-pointers made with 70 as well as finishing number one in three-point percentage at 33-percent.
In the Red Lions' 73-67 overtime win, though, the Cardinals only made three out of their 25 attempts from downtown (12-percent) while San Beda was able to convert six triples. Mapua also didn't connect from the three-point line in the entire first half as they went 0-for-12.
Fernandez is glad that his team from Mendiola lived to fight another day, thanks in part to Mapua's unlucky shooting.
"They're just missing their shots, they have open shots but they just missed it," said Fernandez.
"We all know that Mapua is the number one team in three points and they are really the number one team whose starters make the most points."
"Pa-salamat lang ako at na-miss ng Mapua 'yung mga three points nila but again, we'll go back to the drawing board, we'll watch the tapes tonight and be looking forward to Wednesday."
Despite what should be a morale-boosting victory, Fernandez warned his wards to keep things in perspective as they still have to win a decider on Wednesday for the right to face Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the finals.
"Se haven't won anything, we just tied it. It gave us another chance to live and really thank my players for stepping up today," the veteran mentor added.
"Even though we're down, they never give up and that's really what the character we want. As I've always said to my players, we just have to tie it today and look forward to Wednesday."
—JMB, GMA News
