Ritualo hopes win vs Arellano serves as ‘springboard’ for LSGH

Published February 21, 2024 1:46pm

Updated February 21, 2024 4:49pm

La Salle Green Hills head coach Renren Ritualo is hoping that their breakthrough win against Arellano University will allow the Greenies to turn their campaign around in the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament.

LSGH, which was coming off a bridesmaid finish in the previous season, lost its first three games against Emilio Aguinaldo College, Mapua University, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to go 0-3.

The Greenies, however, finally responded to Ritualo’s call, squeaking past the Braves with an 85-81 victory behind the clutch shots from Guillian Quines as they finally barged into the win column.

“It should be parang springboard for us to push through the season,” Ritualo told GMA News Online on Wednesday.

Similar to last season, LSGH also had to buck a lethargic start. They fell to Mapua and Perpetual for a 0-2 slate, but they restored some order by winning their next seven games in the elimination round before losing to San Beda in the playoff for third seed. 

Still, they headed to the Final Four and the championship round against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, which would eventually capture the title.

Ritualo is hoping the same can happen this time. But he knows the job won’t be easy.

“It wasn’t easy because we have to work hard for it, actually every single game we have to really work hard,” the second year coach added.

“Right now, I think we’ve controlled Arellano offensively pero syempre as a coach, we want more pa. Our turnovers, actually ito ‘yung pinakamaraming turnovers namin this season but we pulled off this win. I commend the players for a job well done.”

(Right now, I think we’ve controlled Arellano offensive but as a coach, we want more. Our turnovers, actually this had the most turnovers this season but we pulled off this win. I would comment the players for a job well done.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News