Just like Paul Desiderio, Tots Carlos accepting hefty scoring responsibility

The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons were free-falling until Tots Carlos put on the best game of her UAAP career.

With her team suffering from a four-game losing streak, the 5-foot-8 spiker poured in 32 points and buoyed the Lady Maroons over the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.

UP’s fire had come from the pain and redundancy of losing.

“Sobrang importante (na nanalo kami), bumaba kami eh. At sobrang nakakapagod matalo, kailangan namin lumaban,” shared the 19-year-old Iska.

Scoring performances from this the open hitter have been the norm for UP. It will most likely continue, as the Lady Maroons use a lineup with only two wingers — Carlos and her batchmate Isa Molde — and keep two setters on the floor — Ayel Estrañero and Rem Cailing — to shore up their defense and serve reception.

UP’s team captain, as always, is game for any challenge.

“Kailangan namin tanggapin, kasi wala naman ng iba. Sino pa bang aatake, di ba? Kaya kailangan akuin namin ‘yung binigay na trabaho sa amin,” Carlos insisted, as her partner Isa Molde also managed a UAAP career-best 24 points against UST.

The Lady Maroons are claiming it, co-opting Paul Desiderio’s famous “Atin ‘to!” mantra.

“Napanood naman natin si Paul Desiderio, buong puso niyang binigay kung anong meron siya. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa amin,” expressed Carlos, who was adjudged as the SMART Sports Player of the Day.