The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s reign as NCAA juniors basketball champion was cut short after Colegio de San Juan de Letran defeated the Junior Altas in their do-or-die Season 101 quarterfinals matchup, 70-65, last Sunday.
The Junior Altas had won the title just months earlier in April, but a shift in the league calendar placed the juniors tournament back in October, running alongside the seniors division.
Despite the loss, head coach Joph Cleopas praised his players for leaving everything on the floor, especially since they were the only juniors team to force a do-or-die game in the quarterfinals.
At one point in the decider, Perpetual even held a 63-62 lead with 2:20 remaining, but Nathan Egea and the Letran Squires closed out strong to secure the semifinal berth.
“Just so happened, it's not for us today. Our players fought so hard. They sacrificed a lot. Ang ganda nang pinakita nila sa dulo,” Cleopas told GMA News Online on Sunday.
“Praise God that this is a magandang lesson sa amin, bringing to the next stage, next level sa mga players going to college and for us din, coaches, and din ‘yung mga natira.”
After the defeat, a song of worship was heard from inside the Junior Altas’ dugout.
Beyond teaching basketball, Cleopas makes it a point to share the word of God with his players.
“One day, they will become leaders. One day, they will become influential, and if they’re bringing God’s word, it will make a difference in our community,” said the Perpetual high school coach.
Cleopas has always been open about his faith.
He has often spoken about how coaching, for him, is rooted in glorifying God—and that is the lesson he hopes his players carry with them.
“Ang daming learnings dito that I can share to the kids na parating. Ang gusto ko lang maiwan is the legacy na it’s not about winning, it’s [about] God’s glory, and creating a significant change in the community na may God tayo.”
—GMA Integrated News
