San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta knows their longtime rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran can still bounce back from a gloomy start in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament.
The Red Lions pulled away late to eke out a 68-63 victory on Friday that sent the defending champion Knights to a dismal 0-4 hole with Jacob Cortez and Yukien Andrada pouring in 14 points each while big man Damie Cuntapay chipped in 10 markers.
This has now become Letran's worst start in a while as they put their four-peat in jeopardy. Still, Escueta believes the Knights can still pick up the pieces with a lot of games to be played.
"We played them in the preseason a lot of times so we know what they're capable of. Medyo (A bit of a) rough start, but it's still a long season," Escueta said.
"These guys are quality college basketball players, I'm sure they're gonna come back from this 0-4 start and knowing coach Rensy, I'm sure he's preparing his boys."
Being a rookie mentor last season, Escueta also understands the birth pains that Letran coach Rensy Bajar had to endure in this early part of the season, especially after the Knights bid goodbyes to their key players like Fran Yu, Louie Sangalang, Brent Paraiso, and King Caralipio.
Now, though, Kurt Reyson is taking charge as he had his best game so far, pouring in 22 points on top of two rebounds, one assist, and one one steal. Prior to that, the grizzled playmaker was only averaging 14.0 points, 3.33 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
"If it's your first season, of course mangangapa ka. Iba 'yung head coach sa assistant eh. He lost his key players which is tough," Escueta said.
(If it's your first season, of course you'll adjust. Being a head coach is different from being an assistant. He lost his key players which is tough.)
"As I said, they're gonna be okay. I'm sure they're gonna come back stronger after this game. They're gonna be more bonded."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
