WANGS Basketball-Letran failed to get the done against equally determined Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University two days ago.
Knights coach Rensy Bajar admitted his troops were simply outplayed by the Red Lions, who triumphed 74-51.
“It’s a test of character for us. We know we can bounce back as long as we play within our system. It will be an exciting game,” Bajar said.
“Hindi namin napantayan iyong energy nila sa Game 2. Hopefully, we can make some adjustment, especially on defense,” he added.
Letran and San Beda go at it anew today in the deciding match of their best-of-3 semifinals battle in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 3 p.m., with the winner reaching the Big Dance opposite defending champion EcoOil-La Salle.
The Intramuros-based five tamed the Lions 93-87 in overtime in the opener of the race-to-2 series last Thursday but could not repeat against San Beda last Tuesday that dragged their Last 4 showdown to a game of no tomorrow.
Lions tactician Yuri Escueta is bracing for Letran’s expected fightback.
“I’m sure coach Rensy (Bajar) will adjust. It’ a do-or-die Game 3,” Escueta said. “They’ll be ready, and we have to be ready for it. We have to show much more effort than Letran.”
San Beda will lean on the likes of Peter Alfaro, James Payosing, Jacob Cortez, and Clifford Jopia.
Skipper Kurt Reyson, who could only muster eight points in Game 2, will be counted upon by the Knights along with Kyle Tolentino, Kobe Monje, and Deo Cuajao, to deliver.
