San Sebastian College-Recoletos missed the services of veteran Alex Desoyo during their match against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, but another guard stepped up in Ameer Aguilar.
Beside Ichie Altamirano in the Stags backcourt, the young gunner finished with 11 points, including an important layup that sent San Sebastian to a 59-55 lead in the final minutes, to go along with three rebounds and one steal.
San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya said he's glad to see Aguilar step up in the absence of their usual starting guard Desoyo, who sat out today's game as he's not feeling well.
"Well siya naman, matagal na naming player 'yan mula pa sa juniors. Pagpasok niya kasi nung pandemic, masyadong malaki 'yung katawan so hindi namin nagamit," Macaraya said.
"But we know that isa 'yan sa mga inasahan namin sa juniors na aakyat sa seniors and he's proven it every time kasi may tira sa labas tsaka pure point guard. I think he deserves na mailagay sa first five ko ngayon. "
Aguilar's numbers were important to help Altamirano steer the team to the win with the graduating guard leading with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block.
According to Macaraya, they didn't treat the game as a no-bearing one, stressing the importance of executing their plays against a gutsy EAC side.
"Even if non-bearing 'yung game, kailangan talaga namin mag-perform at tsaka ma-execute din 'yung mga gagawin kasi lahat naman 'yan magmamatter," he said.
"It's all about one team playing together."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
