San Beda University marched into Wednesday's clash with University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 97 expecting a dogfight.
Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez said they poured in everything in their preparation against the Altas, who are led by the gutsy trio of Kim Aurin, Jielo Razon, and Jeff Egan.
Though San Beda still came out on top, 78-71, the veteran tactician shared that sneaking the win from Perpetual should be something to be proud of.
"For me, Perpetual is a very dangerous team. I was worried about this team because of the match-ups with Aurin there, with Razon there, and with Egan there," Fernandez said on the heels of their sixth straight victory this season.
"I'm happy that we got over with Perpetual now but I don't know what will happen in the playoffs but for me, winning against Perpetual was one of achievements of ours. So hopefully, it will help us prepare ourselves mentally for Mapua."
Perpetual proved Fernandez right as Aurin took the scoring cudgels for the Altas with his 16 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Razon racked up 15 markers, seven boards, and six dimes in the losing cause.
Egan, however, was silenced, manufacturing just two points, two rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes of action.
"We're happy we got the win [because] we've been preparing hard for Perpetual. We all know that Perpetual is a very strong team with those three guns like Razon, Egan, and Aurin," Fernandez added.
"I give credit to coach Myk (Saguiguit) because he bluffed us with the starting five, he started with only Razon and the rest of their usual starters came off the bench."
—JMB, GMA News
