Gameday Lesson

Gameday. It finally comes to this. Probably the last game of the season. I can still remember everything when it all started.

Eve of my birthday when season 89 of the NCAA unfolded. It was my beloved San Beda Red Lions up against the season host, College of St. Benilde Blazers. No one gave the Blazers a chance to win on this one but they showed they are one worthy opponents on the season opener. San Beda up in most of the game, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the 4th and giving the host a 1-point lead with 4 ticks remaining. I can eavesdrop on what my seatmates from UPSHD are saying. They said with this performance of the Red Lions they can't regain the crown and have a coveted 4 peat. I didn't believe them. Then, game resumes with a Rome dela Rosa alley-oop to Arthur dela Cruz for the first win of the season.

Then, it was the LPU Pirates. This was the most shocking of all. Nobody, I mean nobody could predict that the Pirates could win against the mighty Red Lions. But they did. The doubts to the San Beda team become stronger and stronger that they cannot win the season 89 title. But still, I believe that they can.

Then, its the arch-rivals' turn. The Letran Knights, last year's nemesis is up to task of giving the Red Lions their 2nd loss in the first round, a first in their 8 year campaign. The Letran Knights started hot in the first quarter, leading as much as 18 points. But the Red Lions fighted back and grabbed the lead in the 3rd. But the Letran Knights are so much resilient on this one and hold on to a 74-67 win. I remember someone asked me while we are watching "Anyare?". I just smiled and said, "After the season ends, we are still holding the trophy. I still believe in them."

Before the end of the 2nd round of eliminations, another shocker occurred. This time, it is the league-dwellar Mapua Cardinals who escaped with a 4-point lead. Just when I thought they already learned their lesson with that 3 games they had. I'm so disappointed with that loss but nevertheless, I didn't lose my trust in them.

And now that we are one win away from a 4-straight championship, I feel honored and great that I never leaved them just because of the 4 bad games they had early in the season. I believed in them so much that even they have given me heartaches with that bad games, I know that in the end, it will still be a fruitful season for us. That my folks is trust. Trust that will bring you places. Trust that may lead you to agony of defeat and also to ecstasy of victory. JMP