IN the heat of championship battles, unexpected heroes often emerge, and Mapua found an unlikely one in Game One.
Ryle Rosillo, the back-up guard, emerged as the game-changer as the Cardinals moved on the brink of clinching the NCAA Season 99 Men’s Basketball Championship with a hard-fought 68-63 victory over San Beda last Wednesday.
ROSILLO IS MAPUA'S GAMECHANGER
Assigned the formidable task of guarding the talented Jacob Cortez, Rosillo rose to the occasion, limiting the now-dubbed "King Lion" to a mere 12 points on 3-for-17 shooting from the field.
Throughout the game, Rosillo shadowed Cortez, and it wasn’t until the waning seconds of the third quarter that Cortez managed to sink his first basket, highlighting the defensive effort put forth by Rosillo.
“Credit to Rosillo for stopping Jacob Cortez in the first [half],” presumptive MVP Clint Escamis said. “Sabi ko lang sa kanya, keep working hard. Ganda ng game niya today. I’m so proud of him, sana tuloy tuloy niya for hanggang sa Game Two.”
Escamis humorously acknowledged passing on his obsession with Cortez to Rosillo after learning that he would be the primary defender against Cortez.
“Sabi ko sa kanya maging obsessed kasi ikaw naka-assign e. Dikit mo yung mukha niya, yung picture niya sa kama mo so everyday mo siya maisip,” Escamis said.
Rosillo's impact wasn't confined to defense; he showcased his offensive prowess as well.
Despite averaging just 4.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the tournament, Rosillo delivered his best offensive performance, tallying 15 points along with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
SBC COACH PRAISES ROSILLO
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta acknowledged Rosillo's standout performance in the post-game interview, stressing that they need to show more respect to the dynamic guard in the upcoming must-win game.
“Hats off kay Rosillo. Rosillo played a good game. We have to give him more respect in the next game.”
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