As what I’ve promised, I’ll tell you what happened in our first game against section 5C.

The 1st and 2nd quarter (1st half) was dominated by our team. We lead as much by thirteen (13) points. We are really pumped up. We showed hustle on every aspect of a basketball game. We scored, we rebounded, we passed and our offensive set was really smooth. We were not stagnant. Our defense was great. We made them missed their shots.

The 2nd half was a complete turn-around. We had a scoring drought by the third quarter. We only scored 2 points. And after the third canto, the score was even. It was all back to zero. By the last quarter, the calls of the referees were not on our side. It was a see-saw battle. It came all down on the dying seconds. As we lead by one, we committed a turnover. It was not a proper call. (in my perspective and others too) they had the possession and scored. With 8 seconds remaining, they lead by two. With the last possession in our hands, we had a smooth possession that lead to an open 3 point shot. We missed the shot. 0 second… We lose by 2 points.

Reflecting on the game, we were against last year’s campione. We forgot the saying never underestimate the heart of a champion. They showed poise and class at the dying seconds.

For the second time they beat us in our first game. Looking back last two years, we were up against them in our first game. We lose by 13 points. We had a depleted line-up. But it was just the first game. By semifinals of that same year, we beat them fair and square and that made us enter the championship. (we lose the best of three finals series 2-1) We were 2nd year that time and they were in their third.

Because we lose, someone blamed himself for missing a lay-up. Someone blamed himself for he felt there were wrong decisions during the game, the player rotations, and down the line plays and for lack of wisdom given to the players. Someone blamed himself for being foul troubled for the first three quarters yet he did not graduated from fouls. Someone blamed himself for turnovers he committed down the line. And someone blamed himself for missing the winning shot.

Still, it is not the quantity of wins you have but the quality. It is when you win. It is when we will win. We will never stop believing. We are still there. The first game is important but the next 4 games will be remarkable. We must win for our dreams to continue.