With one man down, the rest stepped up for the LPU Pirates.
And that resulted in a 97-92 win over the struggling Jose Rizal University as the host school finally got the win after three tries in the NCAA Season 100.
John Barba, whose career-high 28 points made the victory possible, said they dedicate the comeback win to their teammate JM Bravo, who is already done for the season following a spine injury.
"Unang-una po ‘yung panalo po namin na ‘to ay para sa kapatid namin na si Bravo," Barba said after scattering a career-best 28 points on Sunday.
"Masaya ako sa panalo pero kailangan pa naming mag-trabaho every game, mas dodoblehin pa namin ‘yung effort."
More than the win, LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan was glad that his wards, especially the veterans of the squad, responded to his call to embrace that this is their team now after the graduation of Enoch Valdez and the exit of Shawn Umali.
"Honestly, chinallenge ko talaga sila, sabi ko sa kanila na as my veterans sila 'yung I can rely on. And talagang kakain sila ng minutes," Malabana, who guided the school to two Final Four appearances in the past two seasons, added.
Barba led the way and was given support from other seasoned Pirates.
Greg Cunanan, who was only averaging 5.5 points, churned out 20 markers this time while Mclaude Guadaña matched his average after grabbing 17 points.
Malabanan said his veterans doing the work early this season will help them in the long run as it can set the tone for the rest of their bench, which is composed of several rookies and newcomers.
"But again, gusto ko lang din na ipakita nila sa mga nasa bench namin lalo na sa mga bago na they deserve kung nasaan man sila ngayon," Malabanan said.
"Sobrang laki [ng win na 'to] kasi syempre three game bago namin makuha ‘yung win but again, we cannot enjoy this moment. Hindi pa rin kami pwedeng magpaka-kumpiyansa kasi starting pa lang eh."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
