The University of the East’s burly forward Alvin Pasaol introduced himself to the entire population after dropping 49 points in a 100-106 loss to the DLSU Green Archers. 18 days had passed, and the greatest scoring outing the UAAP has even seen in the last 18 years is still being talked about.
On Wednesday, Pasaol and the Red Warriors will get a chance to redeem that loss. And based on his 32-point, 13-rebound outing against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, it looks like the 22-year-old is ready.
During UE’s 73-64 win against UP, Pasaol did it all, including overcoming cramps to seal the Red Warriors’ third win of the season.
“Nag-cramps na ako nun. Sabi ko kay Manong [Derrick Pumaren] sub na ko kasi sobrang sakit na,” recalled Pasaol.
But Pumaren continued to believe in him, saying that his star has a high threshold.
“Akala natin hindi kaya ng katawan niya pero you’ll be surprised, he wants yung mga bangga-bangga,” said Pumaren.
“Alvin is a very special player so far na na-hahandle ko.”
Mbala has made it known that he can defend wing players too. Last October 15, the 6-foot-7 Mbala shut down UP ace Paul Desiderio for a horrid 2-for-13 shooting game.
Pasaol and Pumaren know this, saying that they will be ready come the awaited rematch.
“Di ko lang alam. Di ko talaga alam. Nag-cracramps na, matanda na eh,” quipped the 6-foot-3 Davaoeno when asked about he will break the 50-point barrier, “Kailangan siguro mas dikdikan ko pa uli kasi La Salle eh. Kailangan talaga lumaban uli.”
“Si Alvin he’ll be ready for La Salle. He is not just our number one scorer but our number one rebounder pa ata sa team. He has to set the tone against La Salle. He needs to set the tone in practice tomorrow,” added Pumaren.
“And that’s what he’s been doing. He is our leader.”
