Since returning from national team duties at the 20th Asian Games, Luis Pablo has struggled to put up his usual numbers, particularly on the offensive end.
However, in De La Salle University’s crucial 84-69 victory over Adamson University on Sunday, the 6-foot-7 big man delivered what could be his best performance of the season.
Pablo finished with 14 points and seven rebounds as the Green Archers bounced back from their 84-80 loss to the NU Bulldogs.
With the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament entering the final stretch of the elimination round, DLSU needs all the contributions it can get from Pablo as it looks to secure a Final Four spot.
“Before this game, we all talked about how this is really the most important game for us. I’m glad that I showed out with a lot of energy today,” the 23-year-old from LSGH said.
“We came from a loss, so it’s nice to get back on the winning side, and this is a great game and win for us to build momentum heading into the next game.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Pablo acknowledged that he had not performed up to expectations in his previous outings, particularly after managing just one assist in 14 minutes during last Sunday’s loss.
“I struggled the past couple of games, offensively. But ako naman, ang role ko to this team is to really impact defensively and doon ako naging focused, especially this game,” he shared.
The big man from Imus, Cavite, gained a significant confidence boost from Sunday’s performance, surpassing his season averages of 8.09 points and 5.82 rebounds per game.
As the defending champions enter the most crucial stretch of the elimination round, with a showdown against league-leading UP Fighting Maroons set for next Sunday, Pablo is ready to contribute in whatever way the team needs him to.
“It just so happened na yung defense ko nag-lead sa offense, and this is a really great confidence booster,” he added.
“I always remind myself to prioritize the defensive mindset every game because that’s what our team needs from me.”
