By MARK REY MONTEJO
Now on his final year, veteran guard Gerry Abadiano has become a steadying force for the reigning champion University of the Philippines especially when the game is on the line.
The 24-year-old Abadiano displayed poise and leadership expected from him and helped power the Maroons to a come-from-behind 79-75 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
“Para sa akin, hindi lang ako tumigil, and time na kailangan ako ng team is naging patient lang ako nung una,” said Abadiano who bucked a slow start in the second edition of the “Battle of Katipunan” this year.
“Lagi lang sinasabi ni coach Gold and mga teammates ko na maging ready lang lagi,” he added. “Kasi hindi naman araw-araw ganto mapapakita mo.”
The 5-foot-11 guard from IloIlo City poured 16 of his 18 points in the payoff period which sparked the State U’s massive counter against the brilliance of Ateneo trio of Kymani Ladi, Shawn Tuano, and Jared Bahay.
“Hindi ko naman hinahanap ‘yong ganung bagay [scoring spree], and dumating lang sya no’ng fourth quarter siguro, sobrang blessed lang ako sa mga teammates ko sa paghanap sakin,” Abadiano stressed.
That superb offensive showing from Abadiano was highlighted by an 8-0 blitz to give UP its first taste of their first taste of lead.
Apart from Abadiano, the other members of the so-called UP ‘Maroon 5’ – Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, and Reyland Torres – also provided crucial contributions in their past games.
The Maroons after a 0-2 start to the tournament have won 11 of their next 12 games to seize the second spot in the standings and eventually, the twice-to-beat incentive in the semis.
“Securing the twice-to-beat advantage is big for us. But then seeing the team bounced back from the first half, I believed we lacked energy no’ng first half,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
