Whenever Luis Pablo stepped on the court against his former school, the University of the Philippines, the De La Salle University big man seemed to thrive under pressure, carrying the Green Archers on his shoulders when the game hung in the balance.
It was a familiar scene.
In their first-round outing earlier this season, Pablo had to be bandaged after being scratched in the face by Harold Alarcon during a loose-ball scramble, only to return and provide the key plays to help defeat the Fighting Maroons.
Again in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament finals, he returned unshaken — and unstoppable.
Saving his best for last, the former Fighting Maroon scored all seven of his points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead basket that gave La Salle a precious 70–68 lead with just 3:27 remaining.
On defense, he swatted away three shots, surpassing the entire UP team’s block total. Two of those came in the payoff moments, denying attempts by Alarcon and Gerry Abadiano.
Even without the facial injuries he suffered in the October 19 clash against UP — where he led La Salle with 14 points — Pablo played with relentless intensity, though he remained humble about his performance.
“To be honest, wala,” said Pablo when asked if he had something to prove against the Fighting Maroons after La Salle’s 74-70 win. “Before heading to game one, I realized na this is a full-circle moment. But as coach said, you don’t want to have personal agendas heading into the game because it will damage our team chemistry. Going into the game, we just planned as a team.
“We talked as a team that no matter what happens, we’re gonna stick together, especially in the finals, since every quarter, every possession, there are challenges. Sticking together lang no matter what,” the 6-foot-7 big man from Imus, Cavite added.
“We know that we need one more win, but our focus now is our training tomorrow to prepare for Sunday. Coach T (Robinson) told us to value every moment and win every moment.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
As a fierce competitor, Pablo expressed pride in being assigned to guard UP’s Harold Alarcon, who poured in 34 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Their matchup has become a recurring storyline, not just in the finals but also in elimination-round clashes.
For the former La Salle Green Hills standout, it’s never personal — just two players striving to bring their best for their schools.
“I guess you could say that, but I always want to challenge myself kasi,” said Pablo, the NCAA Season 98 Juniors MVP. “I’m a big man, and Harold’s a guard, so I really want to challenge myself to guard every possession. Obviously, he’s the best guy in that team. Stopping the best guy in your opponent’s team is the biggest achievement, diba?
“I have a defensive mentality. Yung mga ganung situations, ganung responsibilities, hinahanap ko. But di naman perfect. There were a lot of times kanina he scored an and-1 and even if I was playing defense, he made a basket pa. That’s what makes him a great player and props to him.”
When the final buzzer sounded, Pablo wagged his index finger at teammates and Green Archers fans alike, a signal that this was only Game 1 and the championship was far from secured.
The former Gilas Pilipinas youth standout had come up short before, finishing as a bridesmaid in both his senior year at LSGH and rookie season at UP.
Determined not to fall short again in his third finals appearance, he kept the team’s focus razor-sharp.
“I told them kanina after the game that no one will celebrate because it’s far from over,” said Pablo.
“This Game 1 win doesn’t mean we won the championship already. Having everyone with the same mindset will boost us. Kung pano namin in-approach Game 1, ganun din namin i-approach Game 2. Our main focus right now is practice tomorrow.”
#WATCH: STEPPING UP TO THE CHALLENGE
Luis Pablo admits guarding former UP teammate Harold Alarcon brings out the best in him 🏹 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/GPcyakg0D0
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/BIRsekEu9t
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 10, 2025
