Despite Yayoy’s slapping incident, SWU still intact in game vs Ateneo
Games today:
The Arena
2 p.m. – SWU vs. Ateneo
4 p.m. – San Beda vs. UST
The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. champions Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras try to regroup after their heartbreaking loss to San Beda last Wednesday as they take on the five-peat UAAP champs Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the semifinals of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League today over at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Cobras put up one heck of a fight against the winningest team in NCAA history, the Red Lions, but fell short, 72-73, at the start of the single round-robin semis last Wednesday.
It was a gallant comeback by SWU, which trailed by as much as 20 and were still down by 17 at the start of the fourth canto.
They even had a chance to swing down the upset axe upon the mighty Red Lions but a mental lapse by point guard Joseph Nalos, who did not take notice of the time remaining and failed to get a shot off as time expired, ensured the gutwrenching loss.
The incident after the final buzzer raised even more eyebrows among viewers of the game both at the venue and on national TV alike as SWU head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba was caught slapping Nalos on the head for the gaffe. Alcoseba, played down the incident in a conversation yesterday morning and reported that the squad was in good spirits in spite of the defeat.
CONTRASTING STATEMENTS
“The team’s morale is high and everybody is excited to put up another good fight against the top team in the country. Hopefully, this time we can come away with a win,” said the multi-titled mentor.
However, Nalos painted another picture in an interview with Spin.ph. Cebu Daily News tried to get at the youngster but calls made went unanswered. In that interview, Nalos admitted that he is already used to his coach’s antics but added that he hopes that it won’t happen again. This was Nalos’ second brush with his coach. A similar incident also happened in their game against the University of the Visayas last Aug. 26.
“Last na ito. Hindi pa ako sure kung maglalaro sa Friday, pero last na ito,” stated Nalos.
The second game of today’s double-header will feature the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, which beat Ateneo the other day, 76-66, taking on the San Beda Red Lions.
