In his first NCAA game against rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran as a coach, San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta had the last laugh.
Despite his team trailing big after the first quarter, San Beda was able to turn things around and pick up the victory.
And the rookie mentor admitted it felt good to get one over a longtime rival of the Red Lions.
"It's always nice winning a rivalry game kahit saan pa 'yan. Syempre masaya 'yung community, the players gave their all. It's all a good experience for everyone. Buti nanalo kami," said Escueta.
It wasn't an easy win, though, for the Mendiola crew.
They trailed by as many as 17 points, 33-16, before they got their act together quickly in the second quarter where they trailed by only one, 43-42.
Thanks to veterans JB Bahio, James Kwekuteye, and Peter Alfaro, San Beda was able to complete a comeback victory to improve to 3-2 and most importantly, give Letran its second loss in five games.
"Grabe 'yung Letran, they came out in the first quarter na lahat ng shots nila shumu-shoot eh but sabi ko nga sa mga players, we have to put more pressure and challenge more," said Escueta.
"Alam namin na kulang sila, but sabi ko nga sa team, kahit sino pa 'yan, limang Letran players pa rin 'yan. We give respect also to them, they came up with a game plan."
—JMB, GMA News
