Jessie Sumoda deflected the credit to the system and the team's collective defense as San Sebastian hacked out a 78-61 win against the hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College while limiting its key player in Allen Liwag.
The Stags, apart from snapping their four-game skid, improved to a 3-6 record while playing the unselfish basketball that Egay Macaraya wanted for his wards.
"Nag-focus lang kami sa defense tsaka tumatama na rin 'yong mga tira namin. Dumidikit nga kami so nag-stick rin kami sa game plan namin," said Sumoda, who helped the Generals with 10 points and six rebounds.
Sumoda added that it all worked out this time for the Generals after showing off on both ends of the floor.
Their defense forced the Generals to rely on JP Maguliano and Adam Doria, who had 19 and 12 points respectively, instead as Liwag was only limited to two points only on a dismal 0-of-7 shooting.
Sumoda has nothing much to say about his matchup against Liwag even as Macaraya said the 6-foot-6 General big man still proved to be a force to be reckoned with.
"So far, nag-focus naman kami sa lahat. Hindi lang naman si Liwag. Pati si Maguliano, si (JC) Luciano. Offensive and defensive rebounders kasi sila so kailangan lang namin mabox-out talaga."
As the expected leader for the team as well, Sumoda expressed gratitude for Macaraya as well, repaying that trust he was given and finally delivering a win for the Stags.
"Nagtiwala naman ako sa sarili ko, sa mga teammates ko, lalong lalo na kay coach Egay," added the 6-foot-6 San Sebastian bruiser.