LA Salle coach Aldin Ayo doesn’t usually celebrate his birthday, but found reasons to celebrate after his team’s gritty win over University of the Philippines on the day he turned 39 on Saturday.
“Simula nung naglalaro ako, may laro ako lagi. Ever since naman, ‘yung pamilya namin, ‘yung sine-celebrate lang namin, fiesta, Pasko, and New Year,” said Ayo, after the Green Archers secured a 78-72 win over the Maroons to stay unbeaten in nine games in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament.
Jeron Teng led the way for the Green Archers, contributing 21 points in the victory, while Ben Mbala dominated the paint with 17 markers and 20 rebounds.
Ayo said he was glad that the Green Archers were able to show their resolve despite a tough stand by the Maroons.
“Okay kami sa panalo na ‘yun although it was a tough game. Dun mo nakita na buo ‘yung team. We shared the basketball well, and we played defense as a team,” said Ayo.
Ayo is also impressed that the Green Archers responded well to the adjustments made by the Maroons on defense that allowed them to be in the ballgame against La Salle.
“Na-disrupt lang kami sa camouflage nila (type of defense). We’ve been practicing ‘yung ganung depensa ng kalaban. Kaya lang kanina, na-disrupt lang. Good thing that we stuck together,” said Ayo.
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