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(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

ESports

Underdog mentality drives coach-less UE’s title defense in UAAP MLBB


Defending champion University of the East is well aware of the daunting challenge ahead as it begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) campaign in what is considered the tournament’s “group of death.”

Without the guidance of a coach, the Recto-based squad faces an uphill climb from the group stage, having been drawn against formidable opponents: National University, which recently made waves with a Top 8 finish in the Sibol national team selection; De La Salle University, boasting several players with MPL Philippines experience; and University of the Philippines, which forced a 1-1 draw against UE last season.

Team captain John Zel Bartolo knows the road to a back-to-back title won’t be easy.

“Seems like yung bracket po namin talagang dadaan kami sa butas ng karayom dahil sa teams na ‘to,” Bartolo said, noting that the roster upgrades of NU and La Salle have made both squads even stronger.

“For now, di pa po namin iniisip na i-defend yung title namin and focus lang po kami kung paano ulit mananalo every match and hopefully makapasok ng top 4 ulit. Then tsaka na po namin iisipin yun kung sakaling makapasok next stage.”

In Season 86, UE narrowly advanced to the semifinals, edging Adamson University by a single point to secure the second spot in their group behind eventual runners-up University of Santo Tomas.

Despite their status as defending champions, UE refuses to be complacent—or even consider themselves favorites.

UAAP-Esports-UE-Zenith-Warriors- Underdog mentality drives coach-less UE’s title defense in UAAP MLBB ESports Mobile Legends News UAAP UE  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“Wala po [kami nararamdamang pressure]. Hanggang ngayon kahit defending champion kami, kino-consider pa rin po namin yung team namin as underdog to make ourselves composed despite the achievement,” Bartolo explained.

“Additionally, di rin po namin naramdamang nagchampion kami after the finish last season since hindi pa rin po kami nabibigyan ng scholarship at mga benefits. So ineenjoy na lang po namin maglaro at sulitin ang experience dahil nakakalaro po kami sa malaking event katulad ng UAAP.”

The competitive bar has been raised this season, with several teams enlisting coaches with professional MLBB credentials—including former SEA Games gold medalist Kenneth Villa (DLSU), ex-RSG Philippines assistant coach JM Nieles (UP), and MPL Philippines Season 2 champion John Erwin Magno (FEU).

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Meanwhile, UE must rely solely on its players, many of whom are already struggling to meet the team’s growing demands.

“Sobrang hirap [na walang coach] lalo na’t sobrang nag-step up na yung level of competition sa UAAP knowing na marami nang recruit na high-caliber players from different teams who came from big teams and the professional scene. Since wala daw po kami coach dahil walang budget, nahihirapan po kami sumabay sa meta at disadvantage rin po samin dahil lahat ng teams ay may coach tapos po kami ay wala,” Bartolo shared.

“Nahihirapan rin po kami mag-practice at mag-communicate dahil wala po kami place para mag-practice at iba-iba po ang branch at schedule namin.”

UE’s heart, however, remains undeterred as they aim to rise above the odds and fight to keep their UAAP crown.

Written By

A Bacolodnon who loves basketball, chess, and esports.




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