Emilio Aguinaldo College's veteran bruiser Gelo Loristo made sure his second encounter with Colegio de San Juan de Letran in NCAA Season 100 will be nothing like how the first round transpired.
Back then, the Generals lost by two points after bowing to the Knights with a 75-73 loss. The 6-foot-6 Loristo finished with decent numbers despite the defeat, putting together 11 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
However, he wasn't able to finish the game and help his teammates down the stretch after being fouled out.
In their second round collision, Loristo took advantage of a depleted Letran frontcourt that missed the services of Kevin Santos and posted crucial baskets in the fourth quarter to help the Generals eke out a vengeful victory, 68-58.
"‘Yung kanina na nakita kong wala si Kevin, talagang sabi kong para sa akin ‘to. Ako na lang ‘yung inaasahan ni coach sa rebounds, ‘yun lang naman role ko diyan eh, rebounds at blocks. ‘Yung mga points bigla na lang dumadating sa akin eh," Loristo told GMA News Online as he tallied nine markers, six boards, two dimes, and two blocks.
"Nu’ng first game namin sa kanila ang sakit eh, dikit lang. Sa first game namin, fouled ako so this game, parang iniwas ko talaga sa foul para makabawi."
It was, however, more than just a win for Loristo and the rest of the Generals.
Loristo revealed they are hell-bent on bringing the school to its first-ever Final Four appearance with only a few games remaining in the elimination round.
But on a personal level, Loristo said he's out to help EAC's graduating team captain King Gurtiza win the championship.
It's his way of paying Gurtiza back for helping him land a spot on EAC's roster as he previously suited up for San Sebastian College-Recoletos back in Seasons 95 and 97. After feeling he's no longer happy with the Stags, he asked Gurtiza whether there's a space for him in EAC.
Their bond traces back to high school as they played together for St. Jude in Cavite where they won multiple championships during their time together. Now, they want to repeat the feat with EAC.
"Nag-chat lang ako kay King kung may spot pa sila tapos sabi niya ‘sige punta ka dito’. Si King, teammate ko siya highschool pa lang sa Cavite," Loristo added.
"Gusto ko lang siya bigyan ng magandang season kasi last year na niya ngayon. Ako, gagawin ko lahat para sa mga seniors namin."
Loristo and the Generals will return to action on Wednesday when they play San Beda University.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
