Kern Sesante of the UC Site owners. | Picture from Sugbuanong Kodaker
CEBU CITY, Philippines – College of Cebu (UC) Site owners head coach Kern Sesante stays steadfast regardless of a troublesome, 45-66 loss to the College of the Visayas (UV) Inexperienced Lancers in Recreation 1 of the Cebu Colleges Athletic Basis, Inc. (Cesafi) Season 24 Males’s Basketball Match Greatest-of-Three Finals on Thursday night time.
Whereas disillusioned with the officiating, Sesante is concentrated on rallying his crew to bounce again in Recreation 2, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, on the Cebu Coliseum.
The Site owners, undefeated in the course of the elimination spherical and semifinals, struggled to regulate as their frontcourt gamers—Ray Charles Libatog, Steven Ursal, and Mark Ecal—have been saddled with fouls early within the recreation.
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UC had constructed a 31-28 lead at halftime however faltered within the third quarter when their key gamers have been compelled to the bench.
“We have been caught off guard by the calls of the referees. Nipis kaayo (The calls have been too gentle). I used to be anticipating they’d let the boys play bodily,” Kern Sesante mentioned. He expressed frustration that the depth sometimes anticipated in a Finals sequence was dampened by what he deemed as overly strict officiating.
“I’m undecided if the referees wished the finals to play that manner. The depth of the championship is completely different. We hope they let the gamers play,” he added.
Past the officiating, Sesante acknowledged UV’s superior execution, notably within the second half.
AJ Sacayan was pivotal for the Inexperienced Lancers, hitting 4 three-pointers to spark a decisive run that UC struggled to counter. Sacayan completed with a game-high 18 factors.
“There was actually nothing we might do about that. Their shooters had their rhythm, and it was troublesome to defend as soon as they acquired going,” Kern Sesante admitted.
The Inexperienced Lancers outscored the Site owners 38-14 within the second half, turning a tightly contested recreation right into a lopsided victory.
Regardless of the loss, Sesante informed his gamers to maneuver on. Drawing on previous experiences, he reminded his gamers that they’ve bounced again earlier than, together with final yr’s Finals the place they compelled a deciding Recreation 3 in opposition to UV.
“I informed them to rejoice wins for one night time and transfer on. It’s the identical with losses—let the frustration sink in tonight, however tomorrow is a distinct ballgame,” mentioned Kern Sesante.
Whereas their morale took successful, Sesante urged his gamers to make use of the loss as a take a look at of character.
“Medyo down ang morale, however this setback will present what sort of crew we’re. I gave the gamers a alternative—come again stronger or give up. I belief they are going to select to enhance,” he concluded.
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