JC Recto may have missed some games in the elimination round of NCAA Season 100, but eventually regained his form just in time as Mapua University hopes to bring the hoops title back to Intramuros.
Recto only played 12 games in the elimination round as he had chicken pox in the middle of the tournament.
However, in Game 1 of the finals against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Recto became crucial as he scored 15 points to become the second highest scorer behind Clint Escamis' 30-point outing.
"Siyempre, hindi ganun kadali na makabalik agad kasi nagkasakit ako nung first round then second round, nakabalik na ako. Paunti-unti, nakukuha ko na 'yung rhythm, pero di pa din ganun kadali kasi galing sa sakit nga, nawala sa condition physically. Buti habang tumatagal, nakukuha ko na 'yung rhythm ko then 'yung condition ng katawan, makakabalik na din," Recto said last Sunday.
For the sophomore, however, he is just doing his role as part of the team.
"Kung ano 'yung kaya kong itulong sa team, 'yun lang po yung gagawin ko. Kung ano 'yung kailangan kong i-fill, 'yun po 'yung gagawin ko," he added.
Recto is also aware that winning Game 1 of the series is not enough to win the title, especially after what happened last season where San Beda University eventually claimed the title after emerging victorious in Games 2 and 3.
"As a team, parang hindi na pwedeng maulit 'yung nangyari last season. Kasi iba 'yung sakit ng finals na game 2, game 3 kasi ayun, ginawa namin lahat pero talo pa rin kami, hindi pa din enough. So ayun, napag-usapan namin as a team na hindi pwedeng maulit yung nangyari last season."
Recto and the rest of the Cardinals hope to end Mapua's 33-year title drought on Saturday in Game 2 of the finals, 2:30 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
