NCAA: Rookie Rafael Go steps up in crucial Letran win

Letran’s Rafael Go (25) and Fran Yu talk during a game against San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-The return of Brent Paraiso and Louie Sangalang was certainly a shot in the arm for Letran on Wednesday.

But the Knights also got a lift from their rookie Rafael Go in their 77-69 win over the San Sebastian Stags.

Go, a recruit from Chiang Kai-Shek College, posted 11 points making all of his five attempts from the field while also getting two rebounds and two assists.

“I just grabbed the opportunity given by my coaches. They always tell me that once the opportunity comes, I should take it because it might not come again,” said Go, who bounced back after going scoreless in five minutes of action in a loss to Lyceum on Sunday.

“Losing two straight games is a huge motivation because it started in practice, we all talked and we said we all don’t want to lose again,” he added.

Letran head coach Bonnie Tan lauded the 21-year-old big man and his other rookies.

“As coaches, we need players and resources for battle. That’s what I tell my rookies because we lost a few veterans. Little by little, they return the trust we give to them,” Tan said.

Kobe Monje, another newcomer, finished with 10 points and three boards. 

“In our future games, I hope I can use them again and they can deliver like this again,” Tan said.