Coming into the season, there was renewed hope for the University of the East.
Besides having a new coach in Joe Silva, Alvin Pasaol has gained plenty of experience as the burly big man played in the PBA D-League during the off-season.
However, it was a different story on opening day.
Facing a loaded University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons squad, the UE Red Warriors could not sustain their first half run, absorbing a 29-point rout, 58-87. It was the worst opening day rout in the UAAP since 2003.
But instead of sulking, the Davaoeño instead looked at the silver linings.
“Still fine. Maganda naman ang pinakita namin kahit tambak,” shared Pasaol, who finished the game with 14 points on 5-for-18 shooting – down 4.5 points from his average last season. “Nagkagulo lang kami sa sistema namin ulit.
“‘Di kami nakabalik kasi under pressure na kami kasi tambak pa kami.”
With the game tied at 33-all entering the second half, the Red Warriors were limited to just 12 points in the third canto and 13 in the final frame. At the end of the game, UE had shot just 32.8 percent from the field and 3-for-23 from distance.
Still, with the team still adjusting to Silva, Pasaol remains confident that they will get the ball rolling after a few reps.
“Okay naman sila eh. Okay sila sa sistema kaso siguro naga-adjust lang,” he expressed.
“Bagong venue, bagong season. Siguro dalawang games, magiging okay na kami.”
