Throughout the course of the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Gian Mamuyac has shown a different facet of his game.
Known as a defensive linchpin in his very young basketball career, the fourth-year guard has been a consistent force in the offensive end for Ateneo this season, scoring 6.1 points on 43.14 shooting from the field.
However, when the Blue Eagles were forced into an unfamiliar territory on Wednesday, Mamuyac knew that he needed to go back to what he does best.
The Blue Eagles, who have been whipping their opponents all tournament long, got a taste of their own medicine. They trailed the Tamaraws by as high as 13 points at the start of the second half.
“We always have to get it done on defense. First half, ‘di talaga kami ‘yun kasi defense namin. We always try to hold opponents to fifteen or lower,” said the product of Ateneo High School.
With L-jay Gonzales and Wendell Comboy wreaking havoc on offense, Mamuyac made sure to clamp down FEU’s 1-2 combo. And it paid dividends for the Blue Eagles, as they completed their comeback attempt and sealed their eleventh victory in as many games.
Though shooting 5-of-8 from the field, Gonzales was forced to commit four errors. On the other hand, Comboy shot just 3-of-15 from the field.
But despite his impressive showing on defense, the 6-foot-1 swingman believes that it all boiled down to his unwavering trust in his teammates.
“L-Jay’s a really great player. I just tried my best to stay in front of him. Kung ma-beat man, alam kong may sasalo sa likod, We all know Comboy is a great player also. Nanghingi lang din ako ng tulong sa teammates ko, lalo na sa pick and roll,” explained Mamuyac.
After their tight match-up against FEU, Mamuyac vows to do everything that the team needs in order to get the win.
“Ayun nga. Siguro nga, parang sabi ko rin dati, defense is my calling card.
“I always stick to do what the team needs me to do. If the team needs me to try and stop the hot guy, I’ll try my best to do that,” said Mamuyac.
