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After a spate of subpar outings, UP veteran guard Harold Alarcon regains his confidence after unleashing a career-best 33 points to tie reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao’s scoring record this season
MANILA, Philippines – Heading to UP’s final elimination-round assignment against the Final Four-seeking UE Red Warriors, guard Harold Alarcon needed something to boost his confidence.
After all, he had been playing subpar in the Fighting Maroons’ three previous games — scoring just 4 points against Ateneo, 2 against La Salle, and 3 against FEU.
Hitting his shots right from the shootaround, Alarcon sustained his hot form, knocking down 16 of his career-high 33 points in the fourth quarter to help the Maroons sink the Red Warriors, 77-67.
That scoring mark tied a tournament-best in scoring set by reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao of La Salle last October 26.
“My confidence was shaky after those past three games,” the fourth-year guard said in Filipino.
“I think [my confidence] was all bottled up, so it was all released. So that’s a big help for me and my mentality… a big boost heading to the Final Four,” he added.
Alarcon personally outscored the Red Warriors, who dropped just 15 points in the fourth quarter in a loss that derailed yet again their bid to clinch a Final Four spot.
UP trailed by 7 earlier on but stayed within striking distance before knocking down 12 points in a crucial 14-8 run that put the game away for the Maroons.
UP (11-3), will head to the Final Four as the twice-to-beat second seed against third-ranked UST (7-7) in a week’s time, motivated to quickly wrap up the series.
“Gigil (overeager) because we fell short [of the championship] in the past two seasons, but our composure’s there, the maturity that Maimai (Cagulangan) and Gerry (Abadiano) have rubs on all the other players,” said Alarcon.
“It’s a big thing (to win two straight games before the Final Four), especially for Maimai, since we’re dedicating the season to him,” Alarcon said of their graduating captain.
“He always reminds us that he wants the team to make it to the Final Four and keep that momentum going.” – Rappler.com
