San Beda coach Jarin takes blame for NCAA Finals Game 1 loss

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda College head coach Jamike Jarin is taking full accountability for the 94-90 loss to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Game 1 of the best-of-3 final series on Friday, October 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Jarin stressed that he is taking all the blame for the disappointing setback to San Beda’s longtime league rival as he was outsmarted by Letran mentor Aldin Ayo in coaching duties.

“I coached bad today so it’s my fault. That’s why we lost. In all aspect, if you lose a game, it’s my fault. I wasn’t able to prepare against Letran,” the first-year coach said after the game. 

The 5-time defending champion Red Lions are in a situation they don’t often encounter, having dropped the first game of the championship round. The last time that happened was in 2009 when San Sebastian College-Recoletos swept San Beda in the Finals to bring home the NCAA basketball title. 

(READ: Letran coach seeks to finish NCAA Finals in Game 2)

Since regaining the crown from San Sebastian in 2010, the Mendiola-based brigade had won every Game 1 of the championship series since.

Jarin pointed out that the 29 turnovers also contributed a tough blow to San Beda’s rally to get the lead down the stretch.

“We had too many turnovers. We had our chances and we weren’t able to execute and I take the blame for it. I failed to coach the right way,” he stated. 

To compound the misery, Baser Amer and Art Dela Cruz were limited in their scoring output as the two finished with 8 and 7 points respectively.

“You have to give credit to Letran for the way they defended the two. But like what I said, I failed to prepare these boys for Game 1,” Jarin quipped.

Meanwhile, Nigerian reinforcement Ola Adeogun had good numbers as he racked up a double-double performance of 23 points and 16 rebounds to go along with two assists. 

“Everybody is used to the big numbers, and it’s has been a long season. We just need to gather our senses and play again as a team. If you will see, not bad for Baser and Art. Baser is almost in double-double with 10 assists. It was magnified because we loss,” Jarin explained. 

Although San Beda’s back is against the wall for the first time in 6 years, Jarin remains optimistic about the red-and-white troop’s chances.

“The good thing about it is that we have Game 2. You have to win two games to win the championship. Good thing about it, we still have a game on Tuesday,” he articulated.

Jarin also promised that his boys will give their best effort to force a deciding Game 3 on Thursday, October 29.

“We need to take care of the ball, and I need to coach better,” he said. “We just need to play smarter because there were a couple of plays that we didn’t play smart. It cost us the lead and a chance to get back.” – Rappler.com