Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Topex Robinson after Finals heartbreak: ‘It just lit a fire’


Humble in victory. Inspired in defeat.

Coming off a dominant 18-game sweep of the elimination round, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates had been in a league of their own while inspiring people along the way. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to extend their good fortunes to the championship series, as the young Pirates were overwhelmed by the experience of the San Beda Red Lions in the Finals.

And the whole team cannot deny that to still end up as bridesmaids after such a beautiful run was heartbreaking.

“It’s painful and we’ll cry over it,” admitted third-year Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “I just felt that I let the team down, the community down. And I really felt sorry for leading this team.

“I just felt bad for my players.”

NCAA-93-Finals-G2-LPU-vs.-SBC-Perez-6321 Topex Robinson after Finals heartbreak: 'It just lit a fire' Basketball LPU NCAA News  - philippine sports news

Shouts and cheers echoed through the halls of the Red Lions’ side of the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, tears were shed and sobs were heard in Lyceum’s side of the court.

Robinson was weeping as the Pirates crumpled to the floor.

But for the Pirates, they all decided that the best way to get over this heartbreak is to start working again. Cry, then grind.

“Tomorrow is day one for Season 94. Our loss today won’t define us as a team, we know we’re gonna get better and I’m excited for what’s ahead of us.

“We’re gonna prepare already. I think we’re gonna join the D-League as a team. It’s something that I’m excited about,” Robinson said.

NCAA-93-Finals-G2-LPU-vs.-SBC-LPU-2nd-place-8494 Topex Robinson after Finals heartbreak: 'It just lit a fire' Basketball LPU NCAA News  - philippine sports news

Lyceum had been regarded as the dark horses way before the season started.

#ReadMore  UCBL: UP off to rousing start; Perpetual goes 2-0

With an elimination round sweep that put them on the express lane to the finals, there is no question that expectations were met — exceeded even. It just so happened that in the end, the championship was still not for them. But Robinson is still holding his head up high, knowing that this season is just a sneak peek of a stronger Lyceum basketball program.

“Season 93 is the tip of the iceberg for us. We have so much things to really be grateful for and we just have to continue doing what we’re doing. We have a vision [to inspire] and there’s no metric for that,” the amiable mentor said.

“It just lit a fire that really’s gonna keep this fire burning for us.”

Lyceum’s love affair with Season 93 was a solid one. Although they fell short to experience, eluded by the happy ending they sought, the mostly-intact Pirates vow to be back fiercer and stronger next year but still with the same vision to inspire.

“We’re excited for what’s gonna be, what lies ahead of us. I always tell them it’s just the tip of the iceberg for us. We have so many basketball to play and so many people to inspire.”

The Pirates will take their time to get over this heartbreak but in the process they will work to become better versions of themselves. Safe to say, the journey of the Pirates is far from over.

Written By

Danine is a graduating Broadcast Communication student who writes about basketball and volleyball in between her classes. Initially just a sports fan mostly influenced by her fanatic dad, she eventually realized that she can make a career out of her passion after her amazing internship with Tiebreaker Times


You May Also Like

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

Basketball

De La Salle University erupted for a scorching third quarter to keep its unbeaten streak alive, while National University locked in the final UAAP...

AdU

La Salle kept its immaculate record intact in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, steamrolling Far Eastern...

Basketball

De La Salle University is doubling down on its trust in head coach Topex Robinson. Robinson has signed a fresh three-year extension that will...

AU

Zed Etulle delivered in the clutch to help San Beda snap its losing streak in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented...

AU

In a testy, physical showdown between UAAP rivals, La Salle held off a furious late rally from National University to stay unbeaten in the...

Basketball

Kurt Laput is ready to take the next big leap in his basketball career — transitioning from the UCAL to the UAAP. The 5-foot-9...

AdU

Adamson University finally barged into the win column of the Playtime Cares Filoil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive after outlasting University...

Advertisement