Harold Alarcon may be hitting his stride for University of the Philippines just in time for the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
And the veteran player is hoping that his career-high performance – against University of the East on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan – has started a hot streak.
The 22-year-old from Silay City scored 33 points, including a 5-of-8 shooting display from beyond the arc, to lead all scorers and power past the Red Warriors.
Alarcon’s explosive performance was the perfect response after a three-game slump where he struggled. He’d shot just 3-of-14 from the field and averaged a mere 2.33 points against National University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University.
“Motivation siguro sa mga tira ko,” said the former NU Bullpup.
“The last three games, parang hindi ako effective. Parang hinahanap ko lang yung fire sa heart ko. Yun lang yung iniisip ko.”
With a chip on his shoulder, Alarcon feels determined not only to prove himself on the court, but also to help propel the Fighting Maroons to the finish line after back-to-back silver finishes in the past two seasons.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As one of the leaders at UP, he is expected to contribute significantly, but he credits the team’s leaders – particularly JD Cagulangan and Gerry Abadiano – for keeping things steady when the going gets tough.
“Gigil kasi last two seasons hindi namin nakuha, pero yung composure namin nandiyan. Yung maturity na dinadala ni Maimai, Gerry, at yung mga veterans, napapasa sa iba kasi mahirap din pag sobrang gigil ka. Hindi ka makapag-execute,” he explained.
The 6-foot-1 guard – who is in his senior year – also mentioned that the Fighting Maroons have committed to giving Cagulangan a memorable send-off.
Cagulangan, a La Salle Green Hills great, is a legend in Diliman, particularly for his heroics against the Blue Eagles in Game 3 of their Season 84 finals.
As such, Alarcon and the team are working tirelessly to ensure that the Butuan native gets the dream ending they believe he deserves.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Malaking bagay talaga siya, mas lalo na para kay Maimai kasi inaalay namin itong season para kay Maimai,” Alarcon shared.
“Yun nga, palaging ni-re-remind niya: last season na niya ito. Gusto niyang pumasok sa Final Four na yung momentum namin okay. Kaya yung last games namin, kailangan talaga (maganda).”
