WHEN I learned that the replay of the Minglanilla vs. Naga game would be held in the Cebu Coliseum, I planned to see the contest, knowing that the crucial and controversial game will have the winner advancing to the quarterfinal round.
Aside from the game itself, I also wanted to see Steve Nash Enriquez in person after hearing so many positive reviews of this wonderkid. And curiously enough, the moment I stepped into the Cebu Coliseum, the Minglanilla guard suffered cramps, the first of many who’d suffer from cramps in the game.
But when he returned to action, he didn’t disappoint. He really is a game-changer and can win games. When Naga City was threatening to get ahead, he scored on an impressive drive, then anticipated brilliantly next, like a goalkeeper collecting a cross to preserve the lead.
Naga, on the other hand, had all the chances to stay in the game but back-to-back turnovers--mishandled pass and a dribbling violation--doomed their chance. Cramps hobbled Naga for most of the contest but they were reselient enough to be on equal terms in the final minute.
It was their mental fatigue, I think, that eventually led to their elimination.
It was a fun contest, though, with plenty of heckling from both fans, which shows how involved the fans are in the Gov Cup.
There was a bit of damper when one of Minglanilla’s officials, who was livestreaming the game on social media, told those who were following that “Minglanilla still won despite the organizers blatantly favoring the other side.” Some sting in the original statement may have been lost in translation, but still that was an uncalled for statement, one that won’t bode well for the team if they take such an attitude in the quarterfinal round.
If they think the Governor’s Cup organizers are against them, they are bound to see whatever missed calls as part of a conspiracy against them, and that defeats the whole purpose of the tournament.
In case they forgot, the purpose of the event, aside from boosting community basketball in Cebu, is to give players like Steve Nash Enriquez a stage where they could be discovered and be given scholarships. It’s not for one team or one LGU, but for the players.