The Fighting Maroons will be in good hands.
Fearless forecast: Aldous Torculas will be a name feared in the UAAP for years to come.
There were nine minutes left in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball finals on Wednesday, and the UP Fighting Maroons were comfortably up, 79-56, against the De La Salle Green Archers.
But the Diliman-based squad wasn't done.
JD Cagulangan geared up for a three. He missed.
But sophomore high-flyer Aldous Torculas ran up for the putback and zeroed in on that slam like he was activating his ultimate Contract: Chase Fate in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Joshua David was instantly posterized.
UP handily won Game 1, 97-67, to get the advantage in the best-of-three series.
Torculas was especially grateful to get 15 minutes of action, and the putback slam was a huge boost to his confidence. He tallied nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and a block for good measure.
It was a long time coming for Torculas, whose patience was rewarded by coach Goldwin Monteverde.
"'Yung last season, nasa bench lang ako. 'Yung opportunity na makapag-observe ako sa kung ano 'yung feeling, ano 'yung ginagawa, ano 'yung dapat gawin sa court, I think na-adapt ko 'yun," he told the UAAP Varsity Channel after the game.
"'Yung mga observation na 'yun, 'yung experience, gusto ko siya i-transfer dito na ngayong naglalaro na, may minutes na ako."
ALSO READ: Patience pays off for Aldous Torculas after breakout game in UP’s dominating win over FEU
Even rookie big man Luis Pablo got some action, making three points, three rebounds, and a steal in 11 quality minutes.
"Sobrang grateful na mabigyan ng opportunity na makapaglaro, na ma-expose," he told the UAAP Varsity Channel. "Sabi sa 'min ni Coach Gold, 'di ibig sabihin na 'pag nag-start 'yung season, tapos na 'yung puwede mo i-improve."
Even while on the bench, Pablo was deep in class, absorbing all the lessons he could take.
"Throughout the season, sobrang dami ng puwede kong gawin, 'yung small details na sobrang laki para sa team namin," Pablo said.
He was only a rookie, but he had a chip on his shoulder.
The Bacolod native, when he was still with the De La Salle Greenhills Greenies, lost to the Letran Squires in the finals of the NCAA juniors last season.
Funny how the reigning NCAA juniors MVP now has a chance to get a trophy against his Taft seniors.
ALSO READ: Luis Pablo, Seven Gagate, ‘perfect fit’ for UP, says coach Goldwin Monteverde
UP will have the chance to sweep the finals this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(With reports from Julio Sampedro, One Sports Digital)
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