The birthday boy Shawn Umali of College of Saint Benilde had a bittersweet moment as last December 2 2025 his team suffered a loss during his special day in their semifinals match against the San Beda University when they played at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Back to Back Birthday Losses in the Hands of San Beda
Celebrating his 25th birthday, the 6-foot-4 center for the CSB Blazers shared to the media how ironic that San Beda has defeated his team twice during his birthdays.
Back in 2023 (Season 99), when Umali was still part of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, his 23rd birthday got ruined by the Red Lions beating them and successfully pulling an upset in the Final Four series to the eventual champions.
LPU had a twice to beat back then and Shawn still smiled talking to the media recalling this memory.
“San Beda rin. Oo yun nga kase noong nilaglag nila kami, birthday ko rin talaga yun kaya sobrang sakit siyempre lalo na sa akin, sa part ko, kumbaga pumunta kami sa Araneta na hindi kami nag laro eh. Yun lang naman.”
He then added that now this 2025, despite transferring to CSB, he still couldn’t get the win.
“Pero yun nga, talo kami sa Game 1 today tas birthday ko pa so yun masakit siyempre.”
Improving on what they are Good at
When asked by Rebanse what are the good habits his team can pick up from this loss and hopefully translate it into a win come Friday, he answered to focus on their strengths and improve it.
“Siguro kung ano lang yung naging strength namin today, yun lang konting improvement lang para madala namin sa next game namin.”
Despite the loss, the Blazers still out-rebounded the Lions, 44 to 38, and had more blocks, 8 to 4. CSB also won the Points in the Paint (46 – 30), 2nd Chance Points (12 – 2) and Bench Points (49 – 15).
The College of Saint Benilde will try and salvage their season as they attempt to even their semifinal series against the San Beda University this Friday, December 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena at 12:00 noon.
