Loss to Pirates only motivates Red Lions

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Javee Mocon is sticking to the positives in the aftermath of San Beda’s 107-105 double overtime defeat to Lyceum on Thursday.

“We’ve proven that we could win against them. We had so many chances but we also had so many turnovers and we just couldn’t grab the opportunity,” he said.

Mocon fired 14 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists to help the Red Lions’ cause, but he’s especially glad with how his other teammates stepped up despite the loss.

“On the bright side, we had lots of players who stepped up for us,” he said, giving special mentions to Donald Tankoua, Clint Doliguez, and Franz Abuda.

Tankoua fired a career-best 34 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, Doliguez had 13 markers and five boards, while Abuda got eight points and six rebounds as all three saw significant minutes in the clutch.

Despite losing the twice-to-beat advantage as they figure in the stepladder semis, the Red Lions are using the setback as a fuel to make it to the Finals and meet the Pirates again.

“Every time we lose, we’re so sad in our locker room. We rarely lose and that’s the reason we feel bad. We’re just going to improve and get back to work especially on our defense. We follow the game plan of coach Boyet regardless of who out opponent is,” he said. “Everybody wants to get back on track and everybody now has the motivation to beat LPU.”