Boyet Fernandez took all the blame in San Beda University’s big-time meltdown in the just concluded Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
After sweeping all 18 games in the elimination round, many were expecting the Red Lions to go all the way to the crown.
But Letran College shocked the NCAA with its own mighty run in the finals, beating the heavily-favored San Beda five in three classic games in the finals.
Fernandez thought it was a combination of youth and pressure that stirred the Red Lions to crumble in the finals against the Knights.
“We had an 18-0 good run but we never finished it off. It was really a surprise to have a sweep because of the youth that they have,” said Fernandez, absorbed his first finals defeat in the NCAA.
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“They are just really young, then the pressure was there. I take all the blame. It hurts a lot because I have a strong connection to the (San Beda) community and losing a championship is very hard for us.”
After equalizing the series in Game 2, 79-76, the Red Lions seemed to have the momentum in the do-or-die Game 3 but Letran, which inflicted them their last loss in the finals, showed their unusual poise down the stretch and took the title via 81-79 win.
Fernandez said the heart-breaking loss would only make them stronger in the next season.
“It was a tough battle, we had our chances. What we can do now is to take the experience from this series and look forward for the next season,” Fernandez said.
The mentor advised his young players to take the final loss and let it be their motivation to improve and learn from their mistakes. He also believes that maturity will be a vital aspect, which should be developed by his young squad.
And seeing the silver lining, Fernandez said the departure of their Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua, AC Soberano, and Clint Doliguez will be the right time for his young big men to step up.
“I really have to guide them. Like what I have said, they are still a young team that needs to get stronger next season,” he said.
