FOLLOWING a Game 1 loss in UAAP Season 87 Finals, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers has to slug it out with the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
DLSU’s title defense in the championship stage got off to a bad start when they lost momentum in the second half and eventually lost to UP 73-65 at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
They may have to take the higher and harder road to a back-to-back title, but the Green Archers still have a chance to repeat their spectacular reverse sweep of the Fighting Maroons from last year.
However, all paths lead to one destination; La Salle must be able to put everything aside and focus on the next game. For the team to do this, they must hold themselves accountable for the loss, as head coach Topex Robinson did.
No excuses
Right after the game, when the media flocked to Robinson and his team, the Season 86 titlist strategist, and confessed that UP was simply the better team that evening, and there was no excuse for him or his side.
One of the parts in this setback was his superstar Kevin Quiambao, who scored 18 points in the first half but only had one free throw point in the second half, missing all six of his attempts during that time.
“They played well. It is what it is,” said Robinson. “They did a lot of good things defensively as well as a team. We just need to get back in Game 2. They did a great job defensively and stopping KQ, and we weren’t able to make adjustments down the line.”
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“The good thing about the team in the dugout, nobody was blaming nobody. We’ve gone this far because of how we really became a united front, and we will not let any negativity get in our way.”
“There are a lot of plays that I have to watch first to figure it out. Sabi ko nga, they came in prepared, QMB was spectacular earlier that’s why he was there, they got him there because of that,” he added.
Despite losing important players from last year’s team, Robinson remains optimistic about his current roster. He is asking them to continue giving their all and fighting till the end.
“The players are different. Sa amin, we just have to slug it out, yun lang naman masasabi namin. We just have to make sure we will give ourselves a chance to win,” said Robinson.
Walk the talk
Mike Phillips, who has carried the Green Archers throughout the second half with a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, says that they must walk the talk coming into Game 2.
“For me, my challenge is how I can really help lead the team. Like I said, it’s not gonna be through more words, but actions. The responsibility is bigger, so we really have to show what it means to come back,” he said in an interview with a media.
“Not just on the court, but also spiritually, mentally, and show the guys what it means to be a Lasallian. So personally, more than the basketball side, it’s more on the inspiring side. How can I lift these guys up?”
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“It’s the first playoffs and first Finals for a lot of these guys, so it’s about really keeping the faith within each other,” he added, while citing some of the things he learned within four to five years of staying in La Salle.
However, Phillips and his teammates still have a chance to turn things around. Toughening up mentally, physically, and emotionally would be a must, as they prepare for another elimination in Game 2.
“It’s important how you perceive things and how you accept things. It’s easier said than done, but that’s what the championship and the Finals are all about, embracing the hardships. Nothing is given and nothing is easy,” he went on to explain.
Quiambao and the DLSU Green Archers will seek to respond tomorrow when they face the UP Fighting Maroons, who now have a virtual two-game lead, right after the award ceremony at 5:30 PM.
