Aside from the motivation brought about in facing the defending champions, it seemed like UP’s Rob Ricafort’s official entry in the squad gave the Fighting Maroons an emotional lift in beating powerhouse De La Salle University Green Archers, Saturday evening.
A day prior to the tilt, Ricafort’s camp was able to secure a TRO against the UAAP’s age requirement for student-athletes.
Since his eligibility issue created such a huge noise with trending hashtags #DontRobRob and #LetRobPlay online, and now that he is allowed to play for the meantime, all eyes were on him.
And when he entered the game with 7:48 remaining in the first half, the UP faithful in attendance greeted him with cheers.
The 24-year-old though didn’t do much in the 10 minutes he played, finishing with just two beats. But seemed like he was one of UP’s lucky charms.
Every time Ricafort entered the game, UP went on a scoring run.
When he entered the game two minutes into the second period, UP gunned a 6-0 run.
“Every time I just step on the court, I really just want to bring the energy and motivate everybody,” shared the 6-foot-3 forward, who had an efficiency rating of plus-10.
“Every time I’m in there, Paul [Desiderio] starts shooting the lights up!”
He shared that he felt the pressure to perform well most especially UP took extensive measures just for him to be fielded but eventually shook off his first game jitters.
“Earlier, before I got here, I was really nervous but I was able to compose myself when I stepped on the court.
“Two hours before the game I just started listening to gospel music to calm me down and listen to normal music that I listen to bring the hype,” Ricafort candidly shared.
Now with a convincing win under UP’s belt, Ricafort just wants to go all-out until his TRO lapses or when the UAAP reverses its decision.
“We beat La Salle, and they are the number one team and that says a lot about our team,” the Fighting Maroon said.
“I’m just gonna play my heart out!”
By: Danine Cruz
