San Beda University team manager Jude Roque shared that their last play call against Mapua University in their NCAA Season 97 Final Four loss was designed to get the ball to hot-shooting big man Yukien Andrada.
Andrada, who only had four points in the first half, exploded for 15 in the second half, including 10 points in the third quarter alone, highlighted by three three-pointers.
With the 21-year-old forward making his shots, San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez designed their last play for him as they tried to send the game into overtime.
Andrada, though, was well-guarded, prompting Peter Alfaro to pass the leather to James Kwekuteye instead, but the Filipino-Canadian was unable to come up with the big shot as Mapua completed the win, 70-67.
"One of the options was James, a kick-out three-point shot but the first option was really for Yukien Andrada to pop out sa top because he had what, three of four three-point shots in this game," Roque shared.
"So that was the first option but I guess Mapua anticipated that, they covered Yukien pretty well and so the next option was James but again, they were quick to close out on James."
Roque also credited Mapua's relentless defense in making San Beda struggle offensively, especially on that last attempt.
"I give credit to the defense of Mapua, their defense was just superb the whole game," added Roque.
"It could have gone the other way if we only secured the rebound and then in the last play, unfortunately we missed an open shot because of the good defense of Mapua."
—JMB, GMA News
