Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THIRD time's the charm for Robert Rubillar as he finally finished top of the podium in the YOU.C1000 Cup.
Having played the role of the bridesmaid in the previous two editions where TK Teahouse finished runners-up, he guided D'Barkadz to a 105-102 victory over Easyway on Saturday.
He credited his charges for delivering the goods against tough opposition.
"Team work, patience and experience under pressure were the key factors to get us the win," said Rubillar in an interview with BruSports News after the triumph.
"Jomarie Corpuz, who gave a superb performance, Jonel Terrado, Allan Talanay, Gabriel Co, Ness Espique and Patrick Gabriel complimented each other for the victory.
"The rest of the team showed big heart for the win. We stood our ground against the toughest, young and very talented Easyway team," continued Rubillar.
Ernesto Espique is an OG from back in day playing for the GILR Wildcats under Rubillar.
The 41-year-old came through as he dominated the paint to finish with 29 points and 15 boards.
"He was amazing and carried us to win the championship. He was his old self and form," said Rubillar.
"We have been together in basketball even way back, and its timely that he utilised his power, skill and will to win to help achieve our ultimate goal," he added.
When asked on what's next, Rubillar replied: "I love basketball. I'm enjoying and loving coaching basketball for a long time now both in the big and small leagues.
"I will continue for as long as I can while I'm in Brunei," he concluded.
Easyway look to bounce back
Easyway were missing two big men with Fariq Affendy and Kae Chong unavailable for the matchup.
Coach Hj Aeide Sowerdey Hj Abu Hassan doesn't see that as an excuse and vows to bounce back.
"Nothing much I can say but just momentum of game. Our guys got caught up with their tempo," said Hj Aeide.
"So we could have done better. It is all about how we react to opponents and that is a learning curve.
"We will see where we go from here.This chapter ends and closes here. We will move on and get better," he added.
"I promise you we will come back stronger next year," concluded the Easyway coach.
