Mocon steps up for Red Lions in crucial NCAA Finals win

Javee Mocon the x-factor for the Red Lions. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It was the perfect time for Javee Mocon to step up to the plate.

With San Beda’s six-peat drive on the brink of being halted, the sophomore forward proved to be the x-factor the Red Lions were looking for as he caught Letran by surprise.

Mocon had 13 points, 11 of which coming in the second half, to go with eight rebounds and two blocks as the Red Lions nailed a 68-61 victory in game 2 and set up a winner-take-all game 3 on Thursday.

“Sobrang saya ko kasi nag-step up sya. Talagang hinanap namin yung advantage sa kanya,” said Baser Amer, who had nine points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, of Mocon.

(I’m really happy because he stepped up. We really looked for the advantage which is with him.)

“I’m lost for words. It’s not because of me, it’s because of them,” said coach Jamike Jarin of his wards.

But for the Antipolo native, it was just a matter of picking his spots and making the most of the opportunity being given to him.

“Siguro yung opportunity andun. Yung trust ni coach, binigay nya nung second half,” said Mocon, who also attributed his great showing with his teammates. “Dahil din sa teammates ko, yung tiwala nila sa akin nakatulong para pumasok yung shots ko.”

(The opportunity was there. Coach’s trust was there and he gave it in the second half. It’s also because of my teammates, their trust in me was there and that helped me get my shots in.)

Mocon, however, will surely be a marked man come Game 3 as San Beda and Letran shoot for the title.

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