For the first time in NCAA Season 101, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA has absorbed back-to-back losses in the men’s basketball tournament.
The Altas fell to San Sebastian College–Recoletos, 62-61, on November 8, then suffered their biggest loss of the season on Friday in a 77-61 defeat to Mapua University.
While they still sit atop Group A with an 8-3 record, Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela said the situation they are facing is a test of character.
“Of course, we're down. First time kaming nag-back-to-back losses so it's gonna test our character, what we're made of,” Racela told GMA News Online on Friday.
However, Racela noted that it is up to the coaching staff to prepare the players, especially as the Altas aim to secure the No. 1 seed — needing just one more win to clinch it.
“It's our job as coaches to prepare them. We told them that teams go through difficult times during the season. And sinabi ko sa kanila ito ‘yung pnagdadaanan namin. This is the first time we're really tested,” he added.
With Arellano University and Lyceum of the Philippines University still on their schedule, Racela said they will not take either opponent lightly as they remain focused on their immediate goal after securing a twice-to-beat advantage.
“Ang goal namin is to get to a position where we have a better chance of advancing past the quarters. So I think getting to number one will give us a better position,” he said.
“Hindi enough ‘yung twice to beat. We need to get to number one.”
—GMA Integrated News
