LA Salle is quickly putting its horror shooting clip against Adamson behind as coach Louie Gonzalez turns his attention to the Archers’ next foe in the Far Eastern University.
The first-year mentor directed his players to be close observers in the Tamaraws' game against Ateneo, just moments after the Green Archers started 0-of-19 and missed their first 20 shots in their 57-50 defeat to the Soaring Falcons on Saturday.
"Malaking bagay na nakikita nila kung ano ang ginagawa ng kalaban. We spend really a lot of time watching the games together kasi I take the opportunity every time na mag-viewing kami na mas ma-explain sa kanila kung ano yung purpose of the things na kailangan nilang gawin, especially with young boys like them na yung tendency nila, yung decision-making hindi pa ganoon katatag," he said.
Gonzalez doesn't want his players to dwell on what was a bad shooting night, knowing that with the defeat already accounted for, there's no more use on crying over spilled milk.
"It was the story of the game, yung first quarter," he said after ending the first quarter behind, 2-9. "Those were good shots. It's really just that they're not falling."
Despite that horrendous start, La Salle still clawed its way back and kept on fighting, with Gonzalez greatly appreciating the young Archers' efforts.
"Natuwa pa rin naman ako. I commended pa rin yung effort nila for grinding it out. Minsan lang it's really hard na you’re shots are not falling, pero yung mga bata they still worked it out defensively," he said.
La Salle shot 26 percent from the field, yet only lost by seven points, Gonzalez noted. "Take away the first quarter and sum it all up, it's all even eh," he said.
Gonzalez understands that teams are bound to experience these runs of futility, but it was the first time that his side got blanked from the onset.
Still, Gonzalez is elated to see his side's character despite those struggles - a trait he believes the Green Archers can lean on ahead of their duel against the Tamaraws next week.
"Wala naman akong pakilam sa score eh. I always tell teach them that even if you take 20 missed shots, as long as those are good shots, you’ll be fine. Particular ako sa kanila sa ganoon. I think in that first quarter, those were good shots. It’s just that di lang talaga pumapasok," he said.
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