For University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, NCAA Season 100 is all about growth.
Under new Altas head coach Olsen Racela, the Las Piñas-based squad are currently at 3-2 and on Saturday, they returned to the winning column as they defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 73-67.
Halfway into the first round, Racela said the team is still optimistic despite experiencing back-to-back losses recently against Mapua University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
"We're very optimistic. We're learning a lot of things about each other ngayong season na ito, things that will help us down the line," Racela said on Saturday.
"Sinabi ko rin before the season, it's all about growth. Sabi ko even in the losses, we are beginning to realize how to play with each other, how to be selfless, and how defense is very important in our philosophy, system. 'Yung little things na sinasabi ko sa kanila, napakaimportante, dapat 'di nila i-take for granted."
The Altas played against a motivated EAC squad who just defeated San Beda University last Tuesday for the first time after 27 games.
Aware of the Generals' mood after the historic win, Racela admitted that what they just needed to do was to bounce back -- with the way they play.
"Siguro we caught them off guard coming from that win against San Beda. Grabe 'yung pinanalo nilang 'yun. Siguro nag-relax sila ng konti kasi grabe yung losing streak na they broke but yun ang sabi ko, kami naman galing sa talo. Sabi ko lang sa players, kailangan we have to bounce back. not with a win, but with the way we play," said Perpetual's new coach.
"'Yung resulta na lang siguro is hopefully manalo tayo, but today they gave their all."
Team captain Christian Pagaran also shared how the team bounced back from the losses.
"Kinausap ko sila... sabi ko bounce back mentality na talaga. 'Di na tayo puwede matalo pa kasi 'yun nga, crucial ang next games namin," he said.
Perpetual will see action against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Tuesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
