Letran coach owns up to wild gamble in NCAA finals opener

MANILA, Philippines – Letran Knights head coach Allen Ricardo took responsibility for making a massive gamble that did not pay off in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball finals on Wednesday, December 10.

“We, of course, felt the regret, but at least, the players know that I have full trust in them,” Ricardo said in Filipino after a lengthy stay in the dugout following an 89-70 loss against the San Beda Red Lions.

“Again, it’s all about the trust, trust, trust, trust. I have full faith in my players, it just so happens that they were not familiar with that kind of setup, but that happens, so I take it as a man.”

Ricardo’s move of starting off the third-string players, a usual sight during his high school coaching days, immediately stung the team, when the opposing Red Lions immediately zoomed to a 22-9 lead.

The Knights played catch-up all game, managing to cut the gap to 46-43 at halftime, but got outscored in the third quarter by San Beda, 22-5.

Letran trailed by as many as 22 points, and even lost point guard Titing Manalili to foul trouble with the game already at hand for San Beda.

The likely suspension of San Beda star Janti Miller in Game 2 on Saturday, December 13, could give Letran a lease on life, with the Red Lions missing the rookie standout’s 20 points per game average.

“I know my players have enough grit, it’s just a matter of studying [the game strategy] well,” Ricardo explained.

“We need to relearn our purpose, impact, and consequence, so we will have a better chance to bounce back…we need to get Game 2 regardless.” – Rappler.com