Before heading to the biggest venue he has ever played at, Kyle Ochavo only had one thing in mind: leave a lasting impression on his idol Paeng Are.
The 22-year-old guard did just that, weaving an all-around performance to help Emilio Aguinaldo College eke out a statement 97-86 triumph over Are's San Sebastian College-Recoletos to close out the first round of NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"Sobrang nag-prepare ako, especially kay Are. Idol ko talaga ‘yun," Ochavo told GMA News Online.
"‘Yung galaw niya sobrang hirap bantayan kaya inaral ko talaga siya. China-challenge ko ‘yung sarili ko na bantayan ‘yung idol ko."
Ochavo, the smallest in the team with a height of 5-foot-5, had a big game.
He nearly collected a triple-double of nine points, eight rebounds, and six assists alongside three steals, all while also helping put the clamps on Are.
With Ochavo among those assigned to guard the Stags star, Are was limited to just seven points on 2-of-13 shooting clip.
Ochavo admitted that Are's scoring ability — which once saw the latter put up a 30-point outing this season — is what he aspires to have as he continues to prove his value at EAC.
"Yung scoring ability niya, wala kasi ako no’n eh," Ochavo added. "Ako ‘yung point guard na more on passing, creating para sa kakampi."
"Si Are, gusto kong gayahin ‘yung scoring ability niya. Grabe talaga, sobrang nag-ready ako na bantayan siya. ‘Yun lang nasa isip ko before this game."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
