Vanguardia blames Game 1 jitters

Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia admitted championship jitters took their toll on his Bombers in their Game One loss.

“That was their edge, their championship experience,” said Vanguardia. “I don’t want to give an alibi but we were tight in our first game in the finals.”

The Bombers, making their championship debut, played inconsistently and missed nine of the 20 free throws, including seven in the fourth quarter that proved too costly for a team that last saw action in the finals way back in 1972.

“That was their edge, we missed several free throws in the fourth quarter, it could have been ours. They played well and with poise,” Vanguardia said.

But Vanguardia said he hopes his wards will come out better from the setback.

“I think they can not say anymore we don’t have championship experience, we played a game now. I think it will help us in the next game,” he said.

“We’re not giving up,” Vanguardia said.