By MARK REY MONTEJO
It was an absolute blockbuster, what with all the drama and action – so intense and compelling – inside the court that enthralled 17,112 spectators and even those die-hard UAAP fans watching on television or on in other platforms at the comfort of their homes.
And just like last year, reigning champion La Salle came fully prepared and emerged victorious in a one-of-a-kind duel that would probably go down as one of the best finals showdowns in UAAP history.
For pulling off a 76-75 win over the University of the Philippines Maroons in Game 2 of their best-of-three title series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, the Archers have set the stage for another wild Game 3 on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Momentum is definitely on La Salle’s side although coach Topex Robinson is not the one who would brag about it knowing he has to beat UP’s sixth man – the crowd.
UP supporters came in full force and excited to witness the team’s coronation after the Maroons took Game 1, 73-65.
But they went home heartbroken after watching what Robinson said was a beautiful game.
“Seeing the crowd, you mentioned about that the UP crowd was all over the place already when we were making mistakes and we said this experience will never happen again,” said Robinson after La Salle forced a do-or-die against UP.
“We’re not going to let the worries of the future or the regret of the past stop us from enjoying it,” he added.
“With that circle, we protect each other. If you’re not part of that circle, that means whatever it is that you say or you do will not affect us… that bond just keeps us getting stronger together.”
“The reason why you play the finals is for these kind of moments. You prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you. We just keep on enjoying it.”
And it worked, after a roller-coaster ride of emotions after UP built a 64-55 lead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.
One thing led to another with back-to-back MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips literally showing their championship hearts to spearhead the Archers’ counter which was highlighted by the former’s two straight contested triples for a 74-73 cushion.
“What happened in that fourth quarter, in those last three minutes of the game, was just so beautiful,” Robinson continued.
“This is very good, very amazing. I just want to give all my praise to the crowd, the De La Salle crowd,” added Mike Phillips. “My ears were ringing. I got goosebumps when I looked at the crowd.”
So on Sunday, the Archers will be going for an encore.
“That’s how we’re going to approach Sunday. We’re just going to enjoy it. The crowd will be crazy but that’s what we’re here for,” said Robinson with a sweet smile.
