De La Salle University entered UAAP Season 88 with high expectations, touted as one of the favorites to challenge defending champion University of the Philippines for the crown.
Four games in, however, reality has hit hard.
After an 81-74 loss to archrival Ateneo de Manila University, the Green Archers sit at a 2-2 record, and the spotlight — and scrutiny — on coach Topex Robinson has intensified.
The pressure is nothing new for the 50-year-old mentor, who has previously helmed programs at Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College, and the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
But leading a storied program like La Salle comes with a different kind of heat: in a place where the bar is always set high, success is measured by your last win.
“What I shared with the team after the game is that exceptional success requires exceptional circumstances,” Robinson said. “That’s something we have to really take to heart. Sabi ko nga, when we lose these games, I’ll be crucified by everybody. But again, I’m gonna stick to what I believe in with this team.
“As a leader, I’m taking all the heat, but that’s part of it. What’s important is that we trust each other. We showed in the fourth quarter that we can fight until the very end. If you’re down by 30 points, it’s kind of hard to make a mistake. Those are lessons we learned from this game.”
La Salle’s struggles against Ateneo were self-inflicted.
The Green Archers managed only eight points in the second quarter compared to the Blue Eagles’ 22. And while a 36-point fourth-quarter rally showed resilience, costly mistakes — like missing 20 of 45 free throws — proved decisive.
Free-throw woes have plagued La Salle all season.
In four games, the team has converted just 54.6-percent of its 108 attempts.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We try to get better. You’re not going to win a game if you miss 20 free throws,” Robinson said. “But what else do you want to hear from me about it? If it’s something we need to practice, we do. We just have to roll with the punches.
“You’re going to get crucified for that — I don’t care. What matters is how we improve mentally and how we respond.”
Robinson knows well the burden of expectations.
In Season 86, questions surrounded him after La Salle posted a 4-3 first-round record, particularly because he was not an alumnus.
Yet that team — led by Evan Nelle, Kevin Quiambao, and Mark Nonoy — went on to win the championship.
He sees potential in his current squad to weather early setbacks and grow stronger.
“As their leader, I take the responsibility of absorbing criticism because I believe in this team,” Robinson said. “Good thing it happened now in the first round. No one wants to miss free throws, but if there’s someone willing to help us improve, I’ll hold them accountable.
“At the end of the day, what I can control is my mindset. Critics won’t enter my head. My focus is on trusting my team, our staff, and our preparation.”
#WATCH: Topex Robinson calls in the “free throw teachers” after another rough day at the stripe for La Salle 🏹🏀
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 #RivalrySunday pic.twitter.com/YAy8OFFVW6
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 5, 2025
