By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines is trying all the best ways possible to rebound from a nightmarish 0-2 start in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
The adjustments are doing good, and the Maroons are once again looking great.
The Fighting Maroons appeared to be learning from their past mistakes after showing their true character off a 76-69 win over erstwhile unbeaten National University last weekend.
“This game really just showed our character,” said the 21-year-old Gani Stevens, who helped the State U improve their record to 2-2, while dealing the Bulldogs their first loss this season.
The 6-foot-7 center knew he had to do something good and he did after hitting big baskets which sparked the Maroons’ final assault to seize a 65-53 lead in the fourth quarter, completing their comeback from a13-point deficit, 34-47, in the third frame.
“Going into halftime, we had that little run and then even at the start of the third, we had that run again. I just knew that I had to dig deep,” added Stevens, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block.
“So, I knew that I needed to step up for my team and I just wanted to do everything I could, rebounds, block shots, helping to communicate and my teammates did that as well and that’s why we were able to finish strong,” he added.
Aside from the Filipino-American big man, mainstays Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Reyland Torres anchored UP to its back-to-back triumph at the expense of NU.
Stevens soldiered on for a bigger role, especially one-and-done Quentin Millora-Brown bade farewell. He already posted his third double-digit scoring game after being scoreless in their 87-67 defeat to University of Santo Tomas on the opening day.
For UP, it’s the process not the result
According to assistant coach Christian Luanzon, UP chief tactician Goldwin Monteverde constantly underscored to his wards the process rather than the results.
“One thing coach Goldwin emphasized, he always emphasized the process rather than the result. We started the first two games 0-2, but really, the process of getting there,” said Luanzon, stressing their setbacks to UST and Adamson.
“So, we’re just continuing to build, even though the season started for us already. Every practice, every game, is a continuing process for us to get better,” he added.
The Maroons (2-2) seek to capture their third straight win when they challenge the uprising Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-0) this Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Yeah, it’s the same approach, regardless of who we’re playing. Obviously, Ateneo, also, the only remaining team unbeaten,” said Luanzon.
“We have time to prepare, obviously, a few days and we’re gonna give them a fight.”
