MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
University of the East (UE) coach Jack Santiago was certain of one thing and his faith in that never wavered despite back-to-back losses to start the Red Warriors’ UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament stint.
“I told the boys that this batch is capable of winning games and beating the No. 1 team,” Santiago said.
The Warriors validated his belief in them, holding on for a 75-71 victory over defending champion La Salle last Sunday.
“I just emphasized to them that [they just have to work] even though there is a star-studded team like La Salle [in front of us],” Santiago said.
UE now totes a 2-2 (win-loss) card and a newfound belief in itself and in its identity, which is slowly taking shape through the efforts of John Abate, marksman Wello Lingolingo, Gjerard Wilson and big man Precious Momowei.
Revelation
“It’s so hard to start at 0-2, but we just need to weather the storm and continue doing what we need to do. I’m so proud of the boys because [they never] tried to do things by themselves [and] I saw in them that we are capable of beating
big teams,” Santiago said.
“But [the young ones] just need to accept their individual roles. I know they are all talented, I would say I have a deep bench, especially in the 1-2-3 positions, but they need to accept each of their roles that even if they have limited minutes, they would still give their 100 percent,” the UE mentor added.
Abate was a revelation in the first half as he led a Warriors squad that stunned the Archers and gave little regard to just who they were up against.
“It’s a great honor to just play a team that has that type of status but we also have status, too. We came to represent ourselves,” the 6-foot-1 guard said after riding a hot hand to a career-performance of 20 points.
“We’re gonna compete and execute the best that we can any given night against any team. I just want to give … credit to my teammates for executing the way that we needed to,” he said.
“Whatever happens, we’ll stick together,” Santiago said. “They accepted the challenge, and now, at least, they know that they can perform after beating the No. 1 team.” INQ