DOWN but definitely not out.
The University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars take aim at their first win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup when they battle the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals today at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Jaguars have suffered lopsided losses in their first two games of the tournament, losing to Letran, 66-89, last Monday and to the Jose Rizal University, 58-75, in Division A action last Wednesday.
USJ-R head coach Jun Noel admitted to feeling flummoxed after their opening match but felt better about their efforts in their last outing.
“Nasuko jud ko atong first game namo. Wala ko kasabot sa ilahang duwa. Mura man ug nagpanagana,” said Noel, a basketball-lifer who has had stints coaching in basketball leagues all over the country.
“Pero giingnan nako sila after sa last game namo na we may have lost but I’m much happier sa effort. Mas nibangga na sila. Mas naka-create na sila sa ilang shots. Mas napakita na nila ang ilang kakayahan,” added Noel, who steered the
Jaguars to a fourth-place finish in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) last year.
Noel also reminded his wards of the ultimate goal in this campaign. “I told them what we’re here for. Na makig-compete ta sa mga mas maayo, na mas dagko na teams aron makabalo ta kung aha na ta dapita taman.”