By: Joaquin Cortez
As the University of the Philippines warmed up for its showdown against Ateneo de Manila University, three Fighting Maroons found themselves momentarily distracted by the action unfolding in the day’s opening game.
Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, and Rainer Maga were keeping a close eye on the University of the East’s matchup, eagerly awaiting the moment their former team could finally put an end to its prolonged losing streak.
Their patience was rewarded as the Red Warriors snapped their 30-game skid, giving the three former UE standouts another reason to celebrate even before UP took the floor against the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UP eventually made sure there was more to celebrate, claiming an 82-74 victory over Ateneo to extend its winning streak to seven games. The Fighting Maroons improved to 9-2, maintaining their league-best Final Four streak, which now stands at eight consecutive seasons dating back to Season 81.
Having previously suited up for the Red Warriors, Stevens, Remogat, and Maga welcomed the end of UE’s 742-day drought, recognizing the hard work behind the team’s first victory since Oct. 26, 2024.
Stevens, who transferred to UP in 2023 after playing for UE, described the breakthrough as a weight lifted off the shoulders of the players and coaching staff.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I was really happy for them. You know, I know how much it meant to the whole UE community and the players, especially the coaches. Kind of like a weight off their back, at least for now,” Stevens said.
“I love to see the underdogs.”
The former Red Warriors big man added that his connection with the UE community remains strong despite his move to Diliman, reaffirming his continued support for the program.
“I was there, right? I was at UE; I know what it feels like there. So, no matter what anyone says, I’m still gonna support UE, love UE,” the Filipino-American bruiser said.
“I am happy for them.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
For Remogat, who transferred to UP following Season 86, the Red Warriors’ breakthrough reflected the hard work they had put in throughout their difficult stretch.
“Siyempre masaya para sa kanila kasi kita naman na pinagtrabahuhan nila. Kumbaga, deserve nila ‘yun. So, congrats sa kanila talaga,” Remogat said.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Maga, who played for the Red Warriors for one season in Season 87, likewise expressed his happiness over their breakthrough.
“For me naman, I’m so happy na naputol na yung streak sa UE. I’m so happy for them na alam ko naman na pinaghirapan nila ‘yon,” Maga said.
Having faced their former team twice this season, the Fighting Maroons had already seen glimpses of UE’s potential before the Red Warriors finally returned to the win column.
UP escaped with a 91-81 victory in their first-round meeting at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Oct. 17, overcoming a strong first-half showing from the Red Warriors. Their second encounter proved more one-sided, however, as the Fighting Maroons cruised to a 100-74 victory at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Stevens recalled how the Red Warriors played without fear during their first meeting, refusing to be intimidated by their opponents or their prolonged losing streak.
“That first game, though, they had no fear. They were going in. They don’t care about the losing streak. They don’t care if they’re playing UP or whoever, like UST, La Salle. They’re going at everybody, and they’re playing with nothing to lose, literally,” he said. “A team like that is the most dangerous.
“When things line up, stuff like today happens.”
Ultimately, Remogat stressed that UE must not allow its breakthrough to become a one-time achievement, urging the rebuilding squad to remain united and sustain its consistency moving forward.
“Siguro stick lang sila sa isa’t isa kasi dapat hindi sila magpapakampante sa isang panalo lang,” Remogat said.
“Dahil siyempre, kung nagawa naman nila nang isang beses, ibig sabihin kaya nilang gawin nang sunod-sunod eh. So, siguro yung consistency lang nila dapat nilang gawin every game.”
