Coming from such a high after prevailing over Ateneo de Manila University and snapping its 39-game winning streak, University of the Philippines headed to its Final Four match-up against De La Salle University full of confidence.
Needing to win once just to reach the finals of the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Fighting Maroons suffered a rude awakening. The Green Archers led as much as 22 points in the contest and eventually held on for an 83-80 win to extend its season.
For UP mentor Goldwin Monteverde, it is simply a case of going back to the drawing board. This is the third straight loss for the Fighting Maroons in the semifinals going back to their Season 82 defeat at the hands of University of Santo Tomas.
“Sa akin ano, credit to La Salle. Very prepared sila this game,” admitted Monteverde after the game.
“Yung energy nila is very high talaga. Siguro for us, siyempre sa mga ganitong klaseng game, you have to want it more than your opponent and hindi lang namin siguro na-match yung intensity.”
Amidst things going astray, the erstwhile National University Bullpups mentor was forced to call on the likes of Noah Webb and Brix Ramos from the bench.
It also did not help that rookie sensation Carl Tamayo had an off day. He only scored eight points and seized seven rebounds, while committing three turnovers and three fouls in 25:16 minutes of action.
With momentum shifting towards the Green Archers, the Fighting Maroons have their backs against the wall in this one. Especially with CJ Cansino tentatively unavailable on Friday, Monteverde needs to pick from the cards dealt to him.
“Siguro ganun naman dapat siguro yung team, diba? ‘Pag minsan yung mga kasama mo medyo off, you got their back na pumasok ka. And you gotta do your part, which yun naman yung team talaga,” he said.
“They never gave up sa game and having your teammate’s back is malaking bagay sa isang team yan.”
So what now for UP?
It is currently in danger of missing out on another finals appearance with a lineup that is arguably the most star-studded in the local collegiate circuit. Losing in the elimination round can be shrugged off, but experiencing a loss against a team you beat twice raises questions.
Thankfully, the Fighting Maroons are still alive to redeem themselves. Unfortunately, they left the door open for Derrick Pumaren’s Green Archers, who are waiting to pounce on further missteps.
“Siguro ano, hindi naman ito first time na nangyari sa amin. May mga games kami before na hindi namin nakuha yung rhythm na gusto namin. Minsan nangyayari yan,” said Monteverde.
Indeed, the only way to go for the UP community is for its Fighting Maroons to redeem themselves next time around. It will be tough against a La Salle that is hellbent on returning to the finals for the first time since Season 80.
But there is no other option to give everything on the floor.
“Importante right now is just to know at makita namin where to adjust. Sabi ko nga, sa ganitong klaseng season, wala ka ngang panahon para sumama pa loob mo. We need to bounce back and be ready for Friday’s game.”
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