After posting back-to-back upsets of Final Four contenders Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are just 1.5 games behind the coveted last semifinals spot. Moreover, the Fighting Maroons are on pace to achieve first year UP head coach Bo Perasol’s modest goal of winning more than three games this season.
“Katulad nung mga binanggit ko, we’re better than our 1-6 record before,” Perasol said after UP stunned the Adamson Soaring Falcons last Wednesday.
“It’s showing right now. I really believe that [what] we have right now is enough for us to be able to contend and compete every game against the tougher opponents.”
However, game #10 for the Fighting Maroons is a tough one, as they face the unbeaten De La Salle University Green Archers on Saturday, October 15.
To put things into perspective, the league-leading La Salle have scored 88.1 points per game with a 14.3 differential, compared to 68.4 points for UP, +6.7 differential. Across the board, the Green Archers rank higher then the Fighting Maroons in every statistical category.
And their first round encounter was not close at all. The pre-season favorites ran roughshod over the Maroons, 89-71. The game saw La Salle force UP into 34 turnovers that led to 34 points. Moreover, Ben Mbala feasted in that game, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
For Perasol, he just wants a good showing from his boys and to put up a good fight.
“Ano pa ba sasabihin ko about La Salle? May sasabihin pa ba ako dun,” said Perasol, drawing laughs from the Iskos and Iskas present.
“UP Fight! Laban lang!”
