For San Sebastian head coach Rob Labagala, the Golden Stags’ 100-94 double-overtime victory against Lyceum of the Philippines University last Friday was about more than just their breakthrough win.
It was also about gaining much-needed experience for his young squad.
“I think it's not just the positive thing ng panalo namin. It's not just we're able to get our win. We're able to experience ganitong klaseng challenge as early as now because as a team, talagang kailangan namin [ito] i-go through because we know the teams na nakakalaban namin, [mas marami] na sila ng experience,” Labagala said.
“Parang dalawang panalo nakuha ko dito. We're able to get our win. We're able to experience na hirap kami before we got this win.”
Rookies Ian Cuajao and Jhuniel Dela Rama led the charge for the Golden Stags, with Cuajao scoring 25 points and Dela Rama tallying 15 points and 23 boards.
For Labagala, however, their breakout performance didn’t come as a surprise.
“Ako personally, hindi naman ako nagugulat. I'm just waiting for them na talagang mag-ripe and we will be able to get used to NCAA college basketball. And before naman kinuha ko si Ian, before din namin nakuha si Juniel, we know what they are capable na kaya nilang gawin para sa team namin,” Labagala said.
Now, the Golden Stags hope to build on this victory, especially as they face defending champions Mapua University next on Sunday afternoon.
“Hopefully, this time we'll be able to continue to play well. Looking forward for another challenge because it's too early pa. But at least nakita ng mga bata what they are capable dito para sa team and what they are capable na kaya nilang gawin to play against 'yung mga tougher teams.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
