MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
University of the East (UE) coach Jack Santiago was certain of one thing and his faith in that never wavered despite back-to-back losses to start the Red Warriors’ UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament stint.
“I told the boys that this batch is capable of winning games and beating the No. 1 team,” Santiago said.
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The Warriors validated his belief in them, holding on for a 75-71 victory over defending champion La Salle last Sunday.
“I just emphasized to them that [they just have to work] even though there is a star-studded team like La Salle [in front of us],” Santiago said.
UE now totes a 2-2 (win-loss) card and a newfound belief in itself and in its identity, which is slowly taking shape through the efforts of John Abate, marksman Wello Lingolingo, Gjerard Wilson and big man Precious Momowei.
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Revelation
“It’s so hard to start at 0-2, but we just need to weather the storm and continue doing what we need to do. I’m so proud of the boys because [they never] tried to do things by themselves [and] I saw in them that we are capable of beating
big teams,” Santiago said.
“But [the young ones] just need to accept their individual roles. I know they are all talented, I would say I have a deep bench, especially in the 1-2-3 positions, but they need to accept each of their roles that even if they have limited minutes, they would still give their 100 percent,” the UE mentor added.
Abate was a revelation in the first half as he led a Warriors squad that stunned the Archers and gave little regard to just who they were up against.
“It’s a great honor to just play a team that has that type of status but we also have status, too. We came to represent ourselves,” the 6-foot-1 guard said after riding a hot hand to a career-performance of 20 points.
“We’re gonna compete and execute the best that we can any given night against any team. I just want to give … credit to my teammates for executing the way that we needed to,” he said.
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“Whatever happens, we’ll stick together,” Santiago said. “They accepted the challenge, and now, at least, they know that they can perform after beating the No. 1 team.” INQ
