Overcoming a deficit down the stretch seems to be Lyceum of the Philippines University’s forte this season as they came back from 12 points down to defeat Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 85-79.
The Pirates, who are now on a four-game win streak, outscored the Knights 29-11 in the final canto to add to the defending champions’ woes this year.
When asked about how his squad is able to come back despite being against the ropes time and time again, Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan attributes this 'never say die' mentality to their strength in numbers.
“Whatever happened dito, unpredictable talaga 'yung team namin. And mas maganda na ganun eh, hindi nila alam kung sino 'yung i-scout nila," Malabanan said, adding citing individual breakout games of players such as Gyle Montaño and Mclaude Guadaña.
"Kumbaga sobrang balanced ng team namin. And 'yun 'yung maganda sa amin, kahit sinong ipasok mo, ready naman sila,” said Malabanan.
(Whatever happened here, our team is really unpredictable. It's better that way since they do not know who they will scout. The team is very balanced. That's the beauty of it, whoever comes, they are ready.)
The Lyceum mentor additionally quipped, “Ewan ko ba bakit ganun lagi 'yung team namin, sa fourth quarter laging humahabol, pwede naman gawin sa first half.”
(I don't know with our team, they just make runs in the fourth quarter. They could have done it in the first half.)
This team depth that Malabanan holds to a high regard was in full display against the reigning champions as veterans Mclaude Guadaña and JM Bravo scored 18 and 17 points respectively off the bench.
Most notably, Bravo drained three straight triples in the last two minutes of the game to help the Pirates complete the comeback against Letran.
According to the forward, he always just tries to stay prepared whenever his number gets called upon by Malabanan.
“Sabi ko din naman sa kanya na "Coach, okay lang naman kahit off the bench ako. Basta pag ginamit mo ako, always ready naman ako and always ready ako sa ibibigay mo na tiwala,” said Bravo.
(I told him, "Coach, I'm okay being off the bench. As long as you field me, I'm ready and I am ready for your trust.")
A well-rounded squad with Final Four hopes, Bravo reminds his teammates to always play as a cohesive unit heading into their next games.
“Kagaya ng sinasabi ni coach Gilbert sa amin, wala talagang star player sa team namin. Kumbaga, kaya gumawa ng lahat. Ang pahiwatig lang talaga ni coach ay maglaro kami as a team. And yun, darating naman sa point na magiging araw mo din.”
(Like what Coach Gilbert told us, there is no star player in our team. Every one can stand out. He just says we should play as a team and one day your time will come.)
Now holding a 10-3 win-loss card, Lyceum will have a few days rest before they face the streaking De La Salle College of Saint Benilde on Friday, November 10.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
