Looking for their first Final Four appearance since 2017, Jose Rizal University is right in the thick of the race as only three games remain in their elimination round schedule.
Improving to 9-6 and solidifying their status in the top half of the tournament standings after a much-needed 79-74 win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the Heavy Bombers look ahead to a difficult trifecta of contests before seeing the semifinals picture clearly.
With Emilio Aguinaldo College, San Beda University, and Mapua University still on the horizon, assistant coach Alex Callueng emphasized the importance of coming out victorious against the reigning NCAA champions.
“It’s really important because placing na eh. So, I think kung natalo kami ngayon, medyo mahihirapan kami. 'Di ko naman sinsabi madali along the road, we’re just thankful that the boys played out well today,” said Callueng.
(It's really important because we're talking about placing. So I think if we lost today, it will be more challenging for us. Not that I'm saying that the road gets easy, but we're just thankful the boys played out well today.)
The assistant coach’s sentiments were echoed by lead guard JL Delos Santos, stating that their win versus the Knights will do wonders for him and his teammates’ psyche.
“Sobrang importante 'yung game na ‘to para sa amin kasi ito 'yung pinakakailangan na win para madala namin ang kumpiyansa namin dito sa last three games namin. Pero siyempre, hindi kami magpapadala sa kumpiyansa namin at pagtatrabauhan pa rin namin.”
(This game is very important because we badly need this for our confidence for the next three game. But of course, we won't easily go with that and we'll still work hard.)
Known for setting the table for the Heavy Bombers, Delos Santos showed a different dimension to his game today, scoring 14 points on 66.7% shooting from the field to go along with seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
When asked about the Delos Santos’ offensive endeavors, Callueng said that it is integral for him to carry on with this as it unlocks different facets to the JRU game plan.
“I think it’s really important [for JL to score] kasi nagkakaroon ng second dimension sa diversity ng team. Dapat hindi lang siya nagre-relax sa game niya na mag set up, pumasa. So ang nangyayari ngayon ay he’s trying to find his own offense if there’s an opportunity.”
(I think it's really important because a second dimention in the diversity of the team comes up. He should not just relax and just set up and pass. What's happening now is he's trying to find his own offense if there's an opportunity.)
The assistant coach added, “We’re trying to remind him naman na kapag open siya, itira na niya. Pero, very unselfish nung bata. And gusto niya talagang systematic 'yung gagawin niya sa court, always following the system before his own.”
(We're trying to remind him that if he's open, just take the shot. However, he's very unselfish. He really wants to be systematic and he follows the system first before making his own.)
Delos Santos seconds his coach’s statements while also crediting his team for giving him scoring looks to capitalize on.
“'Di ko naman hinahanap yung points ko. Nabanggit mo nga na breaks of the game. So siguro nao-open lang ako dahil sa screens [ng mga bigmen] tapos nakaka-blow by ako. And tinitira ko na din kasi 'yun 'yung sinasabi sa akin–when you’re open, take the shot,” said Delos Santos.
(I'm not looking for points. As you said, it's breaks of the game. Perhaps I was just open because of the screens then I can blow. I shoot them because that's what is said to me - when you're open, take the shot.)
As the second round winds down and the Final Four cast is slowly taking shape, the pro-bound player asserted that the Heavy Bombers will do everything it takes to punch their ticket into the coveted semifinals.
“One game at a time lang kami. Kung sino 'yung next game ay mag-prepare kami ng doble pa, both offensively and defensively. At saka makikinig pa kami sa details na pinapagawa sa amin ng coaching staff at hindi kami magiging kampante.”
(We'll take it one game at a time. We'll prepare, perhaps doubly, on offense and defense whoever our next opponent is. We'll still take note of some details given by our coaching staff and we will not be complacent.)
JRU will look to boost their Final Four chances as they face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday, November 14.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
