‘We did our best’: Macaraya positive despite Stags’ failed NCAA Finals bid

RK Ilagan weeps as San Sebastian bowed out of NCAA Season 93. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

After San Sebastian bowed out of the Finals race, Stags coach Egay Macaraya is sticking to the positives in his team’s performance this past NCAA Season 93.

“We have our heads up. We have nothing to be ashamed of because we did our best. It just so happened that we fell short,” he said.

The Golden Stags made it to the Final Four for the first time since Season 89 in 2013, marking its return in the post-season after the “Pinatubo Trio” era.

However, that run was cut short after San Sebastian lost to San Beda, 71-76, on Tuesday in the final level of the stepladder semis.

Behind the heroics of Michael Calisaan and Jayson David, the Golden Stags did everything they could to extend their season.

Unfortunately, the odds just caught on San Sebastian, with the Red Lions making a living from the charity stripe as they shot 25-of-36 to the Golden Stags’ 3-of-6.

Macaraya, though, is keeping his optimism going forward knowing that everyone from this core will return next year.

“Hopefully, everybody is healthy next year. We will continue the hard work and standard that we all agreed on. I know that we will have a bright future next year,” he said.

Aside from Calisaan and David, also back in the fold next season will be guards Ryan Costelo, RK Ilagan, and Renzo Navarro, as well as swingman Allyn Bulanadi.

Macaraya also expressed his elation with the outpour of support for his team.

“We’re very happy that the San Sebastian community again is united and very supportive. That’s one of our goals and visions: to bring back the glory days of Baste and we’re one step in achieving it,” he said. “Hopefully, next year we can do better.”