mit pressure got the best of him in Letran College’s lopsided 70-89 loss to rival San Beda University in Game 1 of Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals last Wednesday.
Manalili, one of the hottest prospects in collegiate basketball, said he was overwhelmed with the intensity of the best-of-three championship series, especially as it was against their bitter rivals in the Grand Old League.
The 21-year-old Cebuano guard still produced quality numbers for the Knights with 17 points, five assists, and five steals in Game 1 despite the loss.
“It was my first year and my first time in the finals in the seniors. At least now I know how it feels to be here,” said Manalili, a two-time NCAA juniors champion with Letran.
“I need to watch the game again to see what I did wrong and change it for Game 2. I was too relaxed.”
With the season and their championship hopes on the line, individual awards are the last thing on Manalili’s mind as he needs to come up big for Game 2 on Saturday at the Big Dome at 4 p.m.
Manalili is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year and Mythical Team honors after averaging 13.65 points and 9.35 assists entering the finals.
“You can have the awards. I’m not here to prove anything for myself. I’m here to win a championship,” Manalili said.
“I have been training since January for the team and not for myself.”