Malacañang Patriots shooting guard TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva goes for a lay up in a David and Goliath match up against Judiciary Magis Center Don Camaso during the Game 1 of UNTV Cup 3 Finals last April 12, 2015. On Tuesday, April 28 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the Patriots promise to make a comeback to tie the series. (Lian Opol / Photoville International)
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang Patriots admit they needed adjustments to win the game 2 and force a do-or-die rubber match against Judiciary Magis for the title in the UNTV Cup Season 3.
In game 1, Magis beat the Patriots with an 89-71 score.
Patriots shooting guard TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva said, “Kailangan namin na mag-assess, kailangan namin na i-evaluate kung ano ang mga mistakes namin. May mga na-point out na… medyo mahaba yung listahan.”
(We need to assess. We need to evaluate our mistakes. Some of it have been pointed out…the list is quite long)
Though they have lost in Game 1, Team Malacañang promised to spend the next two weeks preparing for the next game.
Patriots Assistant Coach Jenkins Mesina said, “Maganda para sa amin na may 2 weeks rest para maka-recover pa ang mga may injuries. Yun ang kailangan talaga — focus on defense — dahil yun ang magpapanalo sa amin, yun ang defense, eh.”
( It would be good for us to have two weeks of rest so those with injuries can recover. What we really need is to focus on defense because it’s what will make us win)
During the playoff between Malacañang and Judiciary, the Magis dominated the game in all aspects.
Assistant Coach Jenkins stated, “Siguro gagawa kami ng defensive plan sa outside shooting ng Judiciary and then syempre kailangan i-refine namin na hindi kami ma-outhustle ng Judiciary kasi na-outhustle kami ngayon, eh.”
(We might improve our defense plan against Judiciary’s outside shooting. Then, we need to refine our moves so they cannot out-hustle us like what happened today)
Days before game 2, Malacañang Patriots was training extensively.
The Patriots are determined to defeat the Magis in their next face-off on Tuesday, April 28 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
This season’s champion will bag 2 million pesos cash prize that will go to their chosen beneficiary.
This has been the third season of the league of public servants which was conceptualized by Kuya Daniel Razon aiming to unite the different agencies of the government into a common goal of helping our fellowmen through basketball. (BERNARD DADIS / UNTV News)