THERE was no animosity for Gab Cometa even after sending off former team San Beda out of the NCAA Season 100 championship picture.
There was a job to be done - and the task was to lead College of St. Benilde to the finals of the men’s basketball tournament.
It was all work - despite the boos that kept raining down on him, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez in all three meetings between the Blazers and Red Lions.
“Wala naman (sama ng loob). Sa amin lang naman, challenging (talunin), kasi sila yung defending champion,” said Cometa after the Blazers’ 79-63 win in Saturday’s Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome ended the Red Lions’ championship reign.
“Kaya pinaghandaan talaga namin sila. Yung scouting, ini-apply agad namin para kung anuman yung adjustment na dapat gawin.”
The Animo spirit - whether Bedan or Benildean
Keen eyes of course, were on the Bedans-turned Benildeans after the Blazers settled for the No. 2 seed and arranged a semis showdown with the reigning champion Red Lions.
All three were playing in their first year in green-and-white after serving their one-year residency following their transfer from Mendiola to Taft Ave.
They played major roles in their new team's two-game sweep of their former alma mater - which, naturally, didn't sit well with the San Beda faithful, especially those present in the venue who made sure their voices were heard and emotions were felt.
Curiously, Cometa, Ynot, and Sanchez were still with the Red Lions when the Blazers also booted them out in the Final Four back in Season 98.
But now, they’re on the other end of the court.
Cometa, Sanchez, and Ynot combined for 31 points in the blowout win that dethroned San Beda and sent Benilde to a title showdown with top seed Mapua.
Still, Cometa noted there was no extra motivation being up against their ex-team. Just like in any competition, the goal was to win the game.
“Mahirap silang i-underestimate. Defending champion yan at saka experienced yung team na yan,” added the Blazers guard, whose team held a twice-to-beat advantage against its third-seeded opponent.
Cometa said they even exchanged complimentary words with their former teammates, especially when everything was over and done with.
“Before and after, nag-usap naman kami. Nag-congratulate sila and nag-good luck sa finals,” he said.
Though Cometa, Ynot, and Sanchez missed out on the Red Lions' title run in Season 99, the three will get their own shot at the championship, this time as Blazers in the Grand Old League's centennial season.
“Sobrang blessed talaga kasi nung natapos na yung residency namin, ito, nakapaglaro na ulit kami. Tapos sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na pasok agad kami sa finals,” said Cometa.
The three former Red Lions will play in their first finals when Game 1 of the Benilde-Mapua title series gets underway on Dec. 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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