Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After seeing their unblemished record in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 get tainted by archrivals Ateneo on Saturday evening, La Salle head coach Aldin Ayo took the loss in stride.
Read: UAAP: Ateneo deals La Salle first loss of the season, 83-71
“There is always a first time, sama lang na galing pa sa Ateneo” [it’s too bad that it’s from Ateneo], Ayo said after the 83-71 setback.
Ayo admitted that the break, which stretched to as far back as Oct. 26, could have played a part in his team’s disappointing outing.
The loss prevented a La Salle sweep of the regular season, ensuring that there will be a Final Four in Season 79.
The Final Four means that the Archers won’t have to wait for an extended period to find out who they would play in the finals.
The defeat stings, but Ayo said he is glad that they no longer face the prospect of a long break after the elimination round.
“I just think of the positives, kung nasweep namin ‘to, tapos magkakaroon ng 21-day break for us [if we swept this, followed by a 21-day break for us]. Tapos mas crucial [And then something more crucial], championship,” Ayo explained. “I’d rather choose this kind of situation that we are in.”
Ayo also accepted the weight of the loss to their bitter rivals, saying that the players gave it their best effort throughout.
“If there is someone to blame, ako ‘yun [It’s me]. Actually, hindi lang ako [it’s not just me], the whole coaching staff,” Ayo conceded. “Kasi yung mga bata [Because the players], they’re doing their best.”
“Siguro kulang lang yung pinagawa namin” [I suppose we didn’t make them do enough], Ayo added.
After the game, Ayo revealed that he told his players to savor the feeling and use it as fuel moving forward.
“We’re still a team, and I think mas makakatulong sa amin ‘to [this will help us more]. In terms of bonding, in terms of motivation, mas mamo-motivate kami ” [we will be more motivated], the La Salle coach said. “All members of the team from the boss to the utility, for sure motivated kami” [we are motivated].
The Green Archers look to bounce back against the FEU Tamaraws on Nov. 12.
