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After losing by double digits in two straight games, the UP Fighting Maroons think they need to address their ‘immaturity’ before the UAAP Final Four rolls in
MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons, as mighty as they’ve been, have been plagued by carelessness throughout the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Playing catch-up in virtually all games, the team pulled off many comeback attempts, but also blew some, including a stunning 20-point blowout loss to the NU Bulldogs last week.
This time against La Salle, the Maroons zoomed to an 11-point lead in the second quarter, surrendered it by halftime, trailed by double digits in the fourth, and ultimately lost the game, 77-66, after some timely hits by the Green Archers in their second-round battle on Sunday, November 10.
“Well I would say it’s not a cause for alarm but really more of a cause for concern,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon after the Maroons yielded to the defending champion Green Archers twice this season.
“It’s not because we lost, it’s more our immaturity to lose like that in both games.”
In a battle with seeding implications in the Final Four, La Salle (12-1) locked up the No. 1 spot with the win while UP (9-3) settled for second, with final assignments against the FEU Tamaraws and UE Red Warriors.
Luanzon pointed out the team’s lack of sharpness, such as not setting the screen for the ball handler, being unaware of the shot clock ticking down, and committing useless turnovers.
Ultimately, if UP wants to win this year, it will not be a one-day miracle — it has to start now.
“Coach Gold (Monteverde), he always reminds the players that every practice is like a championship game to us,” said Luanzon.
“You can ask our players how hard we practice, and because coach Gold is a big believer of habits. So if you want to make it to the championship, you gotta play like a champion,” he added.
“With that comes the right attitude, the right maturity.” – Rappler.com
