La Salle coaching staff. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Coach Aldin Ayo didn’t have to look elsewhere and point his finger at anyone after La Salle suffered its first loss of the season in stunning fashion, falling to Ateneo on Saturday night.
The Green Archers saw their streak end at 12-0 in a game they trailed by as much as 18 points and Ayo only had himself to blame.
“There’s always a first time and masama lang, nadali pa sa Ateneo,” said Ayo following the Archers’ 83-71 loss to their storied rivals.
La Salle was held to a season-low in points and season-worst in field goal percentage at 29%.
Despite having a lamentable performance, Ayo opted to look at the positives.
“Di ko ma-question effort nung mga bata. Grabe sila magtrabaho,” Ayo said.
“If there’s one to blame ako yun and the whole coaching staff kasi yung mga bata they’re doing their best. Responsibiility ko yun, responsibility ng coaching staff. Kulang lang pinagawa namin.”
With two victories away from an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals berth, La Salle was tipped to pull off the feat.
But with the Eagles ruining the Archers’ plans, the burden of living up to the expectations of winning 14-0 are now off their shoulders.
Ayo, however, cleared he was brought to La Salle to win a championship and nothing less.
“Pinapunta ako dito para manalo ng championship. Hindi yung gumawa ng anong achievement. We just want to win the championship.”
La Salle faces second-running Far Eastern University before heading into the Final Four.