After experiencing his first taste of the modern-day rivalry between De La Salle University and University of the Philippines in the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil Preseason Cup, new Fighting Maroons guard Rey Remogat has vowed to come back stronger.
In what turned out to be a narrow seven-point loss, 99–106, against the Green Archers on Saturday afternoon at the packed Playtime Filoil Centre, Remogat struggled to find his rhythm.
After averaging 10 points, five assists, and three rebounds in UP’s last two Filoil matches, the former UE Red Warrior was held to just four points on 2-of-6 shooting (0-of-3 from deep) — largely due to La Salle’s aggressive defensive scheme.
He also had five assists, one steal, and one turnover.
After the game, the 22-year-old point guard admitted he wasn’t able to play his usual brand of basketball against the tough La Salle defense.
“Nahirapan lang ako i-laro yung laro ko. Ayon yung nangyari talaga kasi parang sinabi sa akin ng mga teammates ko at ni coach Goldwin [Monteverde] na experience talaga ito para sa akin,” Remogat told reporters.
“Siguro sa next game na makakalaban ko sila, kailangan ko ilabas talaga yung laro ko at ibigay yung best ko. Yung kanina kasi parang hindi ko alam nangyari, pero no reasons, talo is talo. Wala kaming ibang gagawin kung hindi bumawi lang sa next game.”
(C) Mags Reyes
Remogat not only faced pressure from La Salle’s defensive pressure, but also had difficulty matching up against the explosive backcourt duo of Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan.
Cortez erupted for 31 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-16 shooting clip, including a dagger triple in the final minutes. He also added five assists and four rebounds — leading La Salle to hand UP its first loss in the annual preseason tournament.
Off the bench, Baclaan contributed 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting, along with four rebounds and two assists.
Despite the struggles, Remogat remained composed and focused on the bigger picture — learning from the loss and becoming a better version of himself ahead of UP’s title defense, both in the preseason and the upcoming UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“Sabi ko kanina, kailangan ko lang din mag-improve. Siguro kahit hindi nila nagawa ‘yon, ganon pa rin naman ‘eh, kailangan ko pa rin mag-improve. It’s me against me talaga ‘eh every day. Kailangan every day, may improvement talaga na mangyari sa akin,” said the 5-foot-9 guard from General Trias, Cavite.
Aside from La Salle’s backcourt brilliance, Remogat also acknowledged the effect of the electrifying atmosphere at the Playtime Filoil Centre — something he wasn’t used to during his stint with the UE Red Warriors.
Coming from a program that often played in front of sparse crowds, Remogat admitted that the roaring presence of the La Salle faithful was overwhelming — a challenge he plans to overcome moving forward.
“Siguro first time ko kasi yung UP-La Salle ng atmosphere. Siyempre iba yung nanonood ka lang versus sa naglalaro ka. Alam naman natin before sa team ko dati, wala naman ganyan na crowd,” he vowed.
“Siguro next time, kailangan ko mas maging composed. Yung tipo na hindi ka magpapadala sa crowd at sa mga sigaw. Siguro ‘yon din yung kailangan ko i-improve.”
