Team manager Manny Pacquiao and Letran head coach Aldin Ayo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Manny Pacquiao was treated to a gritty victory by the Letran Knights in his first appearance in an NCAA game this season.
Pacquiao, the Knights’ team manager, sat on the bench beside the players and the coaching staff as he witnessed his team’s 94-90 win over rival San Beda in game one of the NCAA Season 91 Finals.
Before the game at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Filipino boxing champion visited Letran’s dugout and gave a quick pep talk.
READ: Letran nips San Beda to go 1-0 in NCAA Finals
“Of course [him visiting] had a big impact. We got a boost in confidence and energy. When we went inside the dugout before the game, we were all ecstatic. That was a big factor,” said star guard Mark Cruz in Filipino.
Head coach Aldin Ayo said that Pacquiao’s support for the Knights all-season long has been a morale-booster for the squad.
“I told you before, his name alone gives us motivation,” said Ayo after the win. “When he entered the dugout earlier, I saw the players’ faces and how they motivated they got. We are inspired until because he supported us.”
Letran goes for the jugular against San Beda on Tuesday, but Ayo said that he has no clue whether Pacquiao is watching again.
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