JEFF Napa was reduced to tears as he finally got his big fish in the NCAA Season 94 after Letran outlasted Lyceum, 80-79, on Friday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Projected as contenders entering the season, the Knights hadn't beaten either San Beda and Lyceum before this victory.
"Siyempre mga bata binigay na yung best nila, kumbaga all out, all heart eh wala ako masabi sa kanila talagang binigay tong panalong to," said Napa.
"Mga bata naglalaro eh. Nandito lang ako para iguide eh, ituro yung mga tama at yung mga dapat at hindi tamang gawin," he added.
He certainly got inspired performances from nearly everyone, particularly Bong Quinto who carried the Knights in the fourth period.
He just really wanted to show everyone that they aren't just here for the semifinals. They're here to go all the way.
"Gusto ko patunayan na kaya namin mag compete, kasi sinasabi sa amin na di namin tinatalo yung dalawa e," said Quinto who finished with 20 points, 10 coming in the fourth.
Quinto is just thankful that the breaks finally came their way especially after a bizaare finish which saw the refs reduce JC Marcelino's three-pointer to a long two after the final buzzer.
Had it been a three, the game would have been sent into overtime but Quinto believes the result would have been the same.
"Swerte rin kami kasi yung three points, parang three points din talaga e. Pero pag naovertime amin parin yun, di na namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon," said Quinto noting that they still have a shot at a Top-Two finish.
"Ngayon may chance pa, kung manalo yung San Beda at Benilde sa kanila (Lyceum), pwede kaming makatie sa number two e. Mahaba pa. magpreprepare kami sa mga makakalaban pa namin."
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