A team on the verge of winning a championship usually gets a pep talk either from the head coach or some big shot.

In the case of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, its juniors squad received one from its mentor Joph Cleopas just hours before it faced and beat La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) in Game 3 of their Season 100 National Collegiate Athletic Association matchup.

Inside one of them rooms at Hotel 101 Madison in San Juan, Cleopas presided over a Bible study as the school was on the brink of winning its first basketball title since it joined the league in 1984.

Instead of discussing the game plan using a tactical board, Cleopas brought out the holy book.

“I told them that before we pray to God, let’s know God. It is said in the Bible, ‘Not everyone that calls Lord, shall enter the Kingdom to heaven,” Cleopas told DAILY TRIBUNE in a phone conversation.

“So, I told them before we ask God, let’s know His Kingdom, His righteousness. Matthew 6.33 said: ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, His righteousness, and everything shall be added unto you.’”

The Bible study was just the motivation the Junior Altas needed as they entered the Filoil EcoOil Centre with fire in their eyes and calm hearts.