It takes a perfect game — or at least close to it — to win a game. In most cases, also a championship.
That was how Mapua University methodically dominated De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Game 1 of NCAA Season 100 finals on Sunday, cruising to an 84-73 win to draw first blood in the best-of-three series.
For Blazers head coach Charles Tiu, however, they might be the ones who gave to the Cardinals the victory with the way they executed their game plan.
"We threw the ball away, we looked like we were passing the ball to Mapua, which I don’t understand," Tiu said.
"Basically, we gave them the game. They outworked us. Clint Escamis was great as always. It was a tough game for us, I guess the guys were a bit nervous as this is their first time in the finals so hopefully we can be better next game."
The Blazers weren't in their usual self in the series opener, committing 23 turnovers against their average of just 15.72 at the end of the elimination round. In return, Mapua converted those turnovers to 34 big points, which spelled doom for the Blazers as they trailed by as much as 14.
Mapua also had 19 steals, five of which came from reigning MVP Clint Escamis, while also collecting 18 assists.
Aside from their errors and the 30-point outburst from Escamis, Tiu also pointed out the nerves that came with having a young and inexperienced roster that basically affected his players.
"We know what we’re supposed to do, we just didn’t do the job of doing it so we have to make sure that we’re focused and don’t let the big moment get to the players ‘cause that really was the problem for us," Tiu added.
"A lot of guys were nervous, they looked nervous, but it’s part of being in the finals for the first time."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
