Over the last two years, Sean Manganti has developed a reputation as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ public enemy number one.
It all started back in October 4, 2017, when Sean Manganti nailed a putback game-winner to lift the Adamson University Soaring Falcons to a 73-71 win.
Fast forward to September 26, 2018. The 6-foot-5 forward broke UP’s heart anew, knocking down the game-winner in a 69-68 thriller.
Then last October 28, he did it again, knocking down a dagger to stop the Fighting Maroons’ rally to clinch the Soaring Falcons’ playoff berth.
Now in his last few remaining game with Adamson, Manganti is honored to take on the Fighting Maroons in their first Final Four game since 1997.
“It’s exciting, man. I love playing against them.
“They got one of the best crowds. Every time we play them, it’s like a Finals game cause it’s so intense. Nobody’s bastos there. Everybody on that team just wants to play hard. I respect that,” expressed the 24-year-old, California-born forward.
As their last three outings, expect the Soaring Falcons and the Fighting Maroons to figure in a tight contest. But Manganti hopes that there will be no daggers nor game-winners this time around.
“I honestly wanna end the game early. We wanna come out strong so there’s no need for that kind of stuff,” he added.
The Filipino-American has received numerous messages on social media from the heartbroken members UP community, though – especially after hitting those big shots against them.
An Adamson win would entail more. And he is ready for it.
“You know what? There’s still gonna be a little bit, but I’ve gotten a bit more, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ It’s just respect. None of that gets to me. It’s okay,” he shared.
“Keep it coming.”
