Communication was a crucial piece of the puzzle that San Sebastian College-Recoletos has been trying to implement in their campaign in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament.
The Stags struggled with this past games as they lost back-to-back contests, before regrouping and getting their act together against Jose Rizal University, whom they defeated in a statement 72-59 win on Tuesday to return to the win column.
And Jessie Sumoda, who paced the Stags with 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist, stressed they just returned to their identity with emphasis on their communication on the court.
"Naka-focus lang kami sa sistema at sa pinapagawa ng mga coaches," Sumoda said.
"Sa past few games namin na natalo kami, nawala ‘yung communication namin and then more on one-on-one kami kaya bumalik kami sa comfort zone namin."
("We just focused on the system and what the coaches asked of us... In the past few games that we lost, our communication wasn't there and we went one-on-one and back to our comfort zones.")
San Sebastian head coach John Kallos also stressed the value of the vocal leadership that Sumoda displayed against the Heavy Bombers, who were coming off an impressive three-game winning streak prior to the game.
"Si Jessie is a good player, nagkakataon lang na na-scout siya ng mga kalaban. Syempre alam naman natin na isa siya sa mga beterano natin," Kallos said.
"Naging vocal siya sa mga teammates niya today and that’s why nag-respond talaga lahat."
("Jessie is a good player, it just so happened that he was scouted by the opponents. We all know that he's one of our veterans... He was vocal with his teammates today and that's why everybody responded.")
With Sumoda leading the way, the other Stags also found their shooting with guards Raymart Escobido and Alex Desoyo chipping in 12 points apiece while another veteran in Romel Calahat put up 11 markers, eight rebounds, and two assists.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
