As heartbreaking as University of Perpetual Help’s 67-65 loss to defending champion San Beda, head coach Frankie Lim decided to look at the silver lining of their opener in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament.
The Altas went up against the formidable Red Lions whose only notable loss from last year’s championship squad were big man Arnaud Noah and shooter Davon Potts.
“You know, I’m happy with the performance of the players and I told them that they can go out of this place with your heads help up high because there was nothing to be ashamed of,” said Lim Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Our opponents were the defending champions and they have an intact lineup, that is a strong team and you gave it your all,” added Lim in Filipino.
Center Prince Eze managed to draw Donald Tankoua’s final foul and proceeded to make two free throws to pull the Altas closer to the Red Lions, 67-65, with 14.8 seconds left in the game.
The Altas then got a golden chance when Jomari Presbitero missed his two free throws with 9.8 seconds left allowing Eze to kick an outlet pass to point guard Edgar Charcos.
That was the final reprieve for the Altas, however, after Robert Bolick broke up Charcos’ pass and sealed the victory for San Beda.
“Charcos lost the ball, what can I do? I can’t do anything about it and they make mistakes,” said Lim in Filipino. “But he [Charcos] actually had a great game.”
Charcos was Perpetual’s conductor as he finished with 14 points and seven assists, two more dimes than what the whole San Beda team had.
“He played well, and I think he’ll get better. It’s just sad that he committed a mistake.”