For Coach Allen Ricardo, there was more to gain from their abysmal string of losses than just experience.

Now that they’ve avenged their 0-3 start with a pair of wins – the latest at the expense of top team Perpetual – Ricardo believes that the agony from the losing streak was just as pivotal in finally finding their bearings. 

“Coming from the three straight losses, talagang we had to redeem ourselves. We started from winning against EAC, and now, syempre, pinag-aralan naming mabuti yung ginagawa ng Perpetual,” Ricardo told GMA Regional TV News on the heels of Letran’s 63-56 win over the erstwhile-undefeated Altas on Wednesday.

The win was a back-to-back for the Knights, having scored their first win in Season 101 last Saturday against EAC which snapped their three-game opening misfortune.  

“Somehow nabi-build yung confidence eh. Alam na namin paano manalo, alam na rin namin paano matalo,” the sophomore head coach noted.

“The good thing about this win is, talagang from coaches to players mataas yung morale. So, mas lalo pa nilang pagta-trabahuhan yung mga upcoming games,” he added.

SCOUTING THE ALTAS
Letran knew it would need to target the guard combo of Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz if they wanted a chance to win, admitted Ricardo, and so they focused on trying to shut them down.

“We all know naman na their heart and soul, si Patrick Sleat at Mark Gojo Cruz, so talagang kailangan limitahan namin yung production nila para meron kaming chance na manalo this game,” explained the two-time NCAA juniors basketball champion coach.

While Sleat and MGC still piloted the Altas’ attack scheme– emerging as Perpetual’s top two producers with 16 and 10 markers, respectively– Letran managed to force them into more challenging angles when either receiving the ball or taking a shot.

Gojo Cruz, who averages north of 50% from the field, shot a subpar 33.3% as he made only four out of his 12 tries, and committed three errors. Sleat, on the other hand, still shone by scattering his 16 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting with three boards and five assists.

After the momentum-gaining win, Ricardo said another devised gameplan was to ambush the Altas with pressure and ultimately force them to play according to Letran’s tempo.

“Talagang isa sa motivation namin na yung Perpetual, wala pang talo. So ibigay natin yung pressure sa kanila (Perpetual Altas), pero tayo laruin lang natin yung dapat nating laruin, puntahan ang dapat puntahan, offense and defense, and we’ll have a good chance in winning,” he furthered.

CLICKING LETRAN KNIGHTS 
The Letran Knights have every reason that their win over Perpetual can further grease their gears. Asked what has been catalyzing this bounce-back, Ricardo said it’s all about clicking at the right time. 

“The chemistry, the cohesiveness– that’s the most important thing. Kaya itong mga paparating na games na ito, I think we have eight games remaining, we are just trying to improve our standings,” Ricardo answered. 

The Letran coach also credited the improving health of his players, adding that he gives them his full trust especially when it comes to bouncing back. 

“Isa na rin siguro yung health issues, nakakabalik na yung mga bata, 100% na sila. Yung mga ganong bagay naman ever since preseason, alam kong kaya naman nilang gawin. It’s more of the trust, alam ko kung kayang gawin ng mga batang yan,” he reminded. 

Leading the charge for the Knights are the trio of three-point specialist Deo Cuajao, midrange maestro Jimboy Estrada, and elite playmaker Jonathan Manalili.

Cuajao, a native of Midsayap, North Cotabato, has been Ricardo’s primary shooter and the Knights’ most potent offensive force as we speak, averaging a team-high 16 points per contest good for fourth overall in the NCAA individual rankings.

In Letran’s stunner against Perpetual, Cuajao earned the best player honors after firing 16 points embellished with four all-important triples in the second half. 

“Nakikita naman kasi nila coach na pinagta-trabahuhan ko talaga eh, actually kami namang lahat. Kumbaga kung sino yung mainit, suportahan lang kami,” the North Cotabato son told GMA Regional TV News when asked about the green light given to him by the coaching staff to take the tough shots. 

“Blessing na lang yung best player, shoutout din kay Jimboy [Estrada] na ang ganda ng laro nya, comeback sya ngayon kasi kakabalik lang nya sa sakit eh,” added Cuajao. 

Estrada, who’s averaging a 12-4-4 stat line for the Knights so far, showfcased his all-around arsenal against Perpetual by tallying 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

Cebuano playmaker Jonathan Manalili, meanwhile, made sure to share the rock during the win. 

Ricardo trusted cog at the point since their championship days with the Squires, Manalili dished out 10 assists to beef up  an already impressive and league-leading average of 8.2 dimes per contest. 

Stacking two wins in a row does not guarantee safety in a competitive league like the NCAA, but Ricardo sees this as a welcome sign that they’re a step in the right direction.

“Hopefully we have a good chance to get to the top two spots to get that advantage,” Ricardo concluded.