Luis Pablo may have brushed off any notions of having extra motivation against his former school, University of the Philippines, but his face and performance told a different story.
In a hard-fought 72-69 victory over the Fighting Maroons, the former La Salle Green Hills standout led the Green Archers with 14 points and six rebounds, emerging as the game’s standout performer.
The 6-foot-7 center showed up to the post-game press conference sporting several bandages on his face, a testament to the physical battle on the court.
This was the rugged, relentless Pablo that La Salle fans had hoped to see when he returned to the Green and White last year — a player unafraid to give it his all and contribute consistently on the scoreboard.
Yet, Pablo insisted his focus was solely on executing coach Topex Robinson’s game plan.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“To be honest, heading into this game, hindi ko masyadong inisip na it was my old team kasi ayoko manggigil, ayokong to get out of Coach Topex’s system and try to prove myself eh,” he said.
“I really sticked to what he said and what role he gave me. I just did my best in fulfilling that role, which I think I did pretty well naman this game.”
Games between La Salle and UP in recent seasons have been intense and highly physical.
With key players Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan sidelined due to injuries, the Green Archers needed someone to match the Fighting Maroons’ intensity — and Pablo answered the call.
The former Gilas Youth player fought for every possession, banging bodies for rebounds and diving for loose balls.
He literally gave blood and sweat for La Salle on Sunday night, and his perseverance earned him the player of the game award.
Even facing his former teammates, Pablo’s focus remained singular: winning the game.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Siyempre, it’s part of the game,” he said. “It’s nothing personal, nothing intentional. It really happens, especially when I go hard on the floor; I dive for every loose ball; I try to get every rebound. It was bound to happen.
“Yun nga, tawag nila battle scars diba? It doesn’t really bother me but yeah I’m pretty banged up ngayon. There are a lot of days naman to recover for the next game.”
With a 4-3 record to close out the first round and back-to-back wins, La Salle’s redemption campaign is gaining momentum.
Yet Pablo stressed that there’s no time to dwell on individual glory as the Green Archers prepare for a tougher second round and the fight for Final Four spots.
“Far from over,” he said.
“We’re taking each game very seriously. We’re just focused on how to win in our next game.”
