The University of the Philippines will put its spotless 5-0 record on the line this Wednesday when it faces De La Salle University, one of the pre-tournament Final Four favorites – if not the title favorite.
Fighting Maroons’ head coach Goldwin Monteverde knows exactly who they’ll be up against, despite a rocky 3-2 start for the Green Archers in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“Siyempre, La Salle – we all know which team they have this season.
“For us, every team we face, we prepare extensively,” said Monteverde last Saturday after UP’s 110-79 victory over the University of Santo Tomas.
The Fighting Maroons displayed dominance in their first three games before experiencing a minor setback. They needed an overtime period to defeat the then-winless Far Eastern University.
UP responded strongly with a 31-point blowout of the Growling Tigers.
For Fighting Maroons’ point guard JD Cagulangan, they should avoid complacency against a dangerous La Salle team, which is coming off an 80-77 OT loss to National University last Sunday.
“Siguro, huwag tayong magkumpyansa, sa practice man o sa laro,” said UP’s Season 84 hero on what needs to be done to maintain their perfect record.
“Kailangan lang naming i-regroup ang team namin na walang kumpyansa, at para sa akin, mag-umpisa ‘yon sa aming training, kung paano namin dadalhin ang aming sarili at, siyempre, ang disiplina sa isa’t isa,” added Cagulangan.
The Green Archers’ focal point this season is a very familiar person to Monteverde.
Former National University Nazareth School Bullpup Kevin Quiambao has averaged 17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block in five outings for La Salle.
UP pulled away from a tight first half against UST with a defensive mindset while also excelling on offense, leading 35-14 in the third quarter.
Harold Alarcon and the Fighting Maroons plan to maintain this level of play for the full 40 minutes against their former teammate Quiambao and his Green Archers on Wednesday.
“Magiging consistent lang kami sa aming tamang ginagawa at bawasan na lang siguro ang mga hindi magandang ugali na ginagawa namin,” said Alarcon, who finally made his presence felt against UST with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
