San Beda University team captain Ralph Penuela shared that some of their crew were ready to go home as they battled Mapua University, which was holding a twice-to-beat edge in their NCAA Season 97 Final Four series.
But as for the Red Lions players themselves, they refuse to end the campaign, not just yet.
And after a thrilling overtime 73-67 victory over the Cardinals, chants of 'Walang uuwi' were clearly heard from the San Beda bench as they forced a decider on Wednesday.
"Kasi 'yung cook namin, medyo nagliligpit na sila eh. Sabi namin, ayaw pa namin umuwi," shared Penuela, whose clutch baskets down the stretch helped San Beda roar back from 10-points down.
"Nung una, atat na atat nang umuwi kasi [aalis na sa] bubble, ngayon ayaw na namin umuwi. Kaunti na lang eh."
Penuela also said it was their teamwork that steered them to a win against the same Mapua team who sent them down into the dangerous #3 spot and into the play-in round after a 68-54 win last April 23.
"I have my teammates din na nag-step up and hit those big shots, si James (Kwekuteye), si Peter (Alfaro), and 'yung bench namin. It's not just me," added the third-year guard.
"Kumukuha lang din kami ng energy sa bench namin, sobrang positive energy at tsaka 'yung crowd namin. Thankfully, nagtuloy-tuloy kami and came out with the win."
—JMB, GMA News
