Almazan draws support from Rain or Shine in Game 1 of NCAA Finals

Raymond Almazan. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Letran faithfuls weren’t the only ones rooting for the Knights in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 89 Finals against the San Beda Red Lions.

In fact, Letran’s star center Raymond Almazan had the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the team who drafted him as the third overall pick in the Rookie Draft just weeks back, in full support at the Mall of Asia Arena Monday.

ROS head coach Yeng Guiao, who was hardly recognizable while wearing a cap, sat just behind Letran’s bench, while his players Gabe Norwood, Chris Tiu, Jireh Ibañes, and big men JR Quiñahan and Beau Belga were also present at the venue.

Almazan, who will officially be named league MVP on Thursday before Game 2 tips off, acknowledged the presence of his teammates but admitted that it also added more pressure knowing that he has to show up and do even better.

“There’s pressure,” said the six-foot-seven Almazan in Filipino, after the Knights failed to sustain a strong third quarter showing as the Red Lions broke away in the fourth quarter to take the championship opener, 80-68. “Because I know I need to have a great game.”

The PBA-bound Almazan didn’t have the start he would have wanted offensively as he went scoreless in the first half.

“Actually, I wasn’t really looking for my points and that I don’t have any problems with not scoring. I’m just focused on stopping Ola (Adeogun). I didn’t come in just to be the star player, I just want to stop whoever I’m guarding.”

But overall, Almazan had a decent game after coming alive in the third period with 14 points en route to 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

“I was also a bit nervous but I know I did my best on the court. Coach told me not to feel pressured and just play my game and that they’re just there to watch you,” Almazan added, referring to Knights coach Caloy Garcia, who also serves as assistant coach with the Painters.

But while Almazan drew support from Guiao and company, he, Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal got futile help from their bench.

“We need our second and third stringers to step up [to win]. The battle is not over yet and we hope to have a Game 3.”

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