Torculas’ First Beda-Letran Experience Couldn’t Have Gone Any Better

Aldous Torculas wanted to treat his first San Beda-Letran game like any other matchup.

By the end of it, though, he had learned just how different the intensity of the oldest rivalry in the Philippines could be.

Before the game, Torculas reminded himself not to put too much pressure on the occasion.

“Lagi ko ni-reremind yung sarili ko na it’s just another game, ‘di ko dapat binibigyan ng pressure yung game.” Torculas said.

That mindset did not last long once he stepped on the floor, as Torculas quickly felt the difference in the atmosphere and the intensity that came with the rivalry.

“Sobrang iba yung atmosphere. Naffeel ko yung floor na gumagalaw. Very happy and very honored na makapaglaro ako sa ganitong type of game.” He said.

But when the game got tight, Torculas did not let the moment get to him.

He came up big for San Beda when it mattered most. After going 0-for-7 from three, Torculas knocked down a three with 4.1 seconds left to force overtime, tying the game at 61-61.

He then hit two more threes in overtime, helping the Red Lions pull away and eventually beat the Knights, 74-65.

Torculas finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in his first taste of the rivalry.

For Torculas, the key to coming through in those big moments was simple.

“Stay composed and kapal ng mukha.”

After the final buzzer, Torculas was seen crying as the weight of the game finally sank in.

“To be honest, tumatakbo sa isip ko nun na sobrang hirap pala manalo. Kami ni Jimmy, nag-usap kami na ayaw namin matalo.” Torculas said.

The win gave Torculas a memorable first taste of the Beda-Letran rivalry — one that tested him with its intensity, pushed him to deliver in the biggest moments, and left him emotional once it was all over.

What started as “just another game” turned into an experience Torculas will not forget.