One last hurrah for the ‘Maroon 5,’ and they are now one step closer to their dream destination.
University of the Philippines secured a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday night, surviving Adamson University, 70-65, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Graduating seniors Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda — collectively known as the ‘Maroon 5’ — are united in their team’s ultimate goal: winning back-to-back championships to cap their collegiate careers.
While Alarcon is more of a scorer among the quintet, Abadiano and Torres played pivotal roles in the win over the Soaring Falcons.
“Malaking bagay lalo na sa amin na graduating kasi ang goal talaga namin ay makapasok sa Final Four, makuha ‘yung championship,” said Abadiano, reflecting on taking one step closer to the crown.
Abadiano led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, three rebounds, and one steal. Meanwhile, Torres added seven points, including crucial baskets that helped UP maintain the lead in the late stages.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With their UAAP days numbered, Torres feels more motivated than ever to repeat as champions and graduate as a three-time gold medalist.
“Siguro sobrang eager kasi last year na namin, gustong-gusto namin makuha una ‘yung Final Four saka ‘yung championship. Final year na, wala nang balikan, wala nang bawian, so give na lang namin lahat ng best namin,” said Torres.
With a 9-3 record, UP is also assured of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.
Despite their five-game winning streak and staying unbeaten in the second round so far, team captain Abadiano urged the Maroons to remain focused.
The Fighting Maroons will face the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers to close out the elimination round before heading to the semifinals.
“Hindi kami puwedeng makampante, marami pa kaming kailangan i-improve. Papasok ng Final Four and last two games namin, alam namin na magiging mahirap yun, hindi magiging madali yun. So harapin lang namin nang maayos yun and respond lang sa mga challenges na ibibigay sa amin every game,” said Abadiano.
“Huwag lang kami makampante and continue lang kami sa pag-work.”
