As the saying goes, teamwork might just make the dream work for defending champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball.
After an uncharacteristic 0-2 start to the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball, University of the Philippines finally broke through against University of the East, 92-75, for its first win Sunday, Sept. 28.
The Fighting Maroons finally got things going thanks to a breakout performance from transferee guard Rey Remogat, who checked a personal slump, as he faced his former team.
While Remogat produced an all-around game of 21 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists after a measly 2.5-point average in UP's first two games, Gani Stevens (14-10), Francis Nnoruka (14-10) and Gerry Abadiano (11) also contributed.
[RELATED STORY: Rey Remogat, UP vent ire on UE to enter win column in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball]
Rookie Francis Nnoruka soars for a dunk in UP's match against UE. | Photo: UAAP
Teamwork works for UP Fighting Maroons
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde shared his charges' realization after finally notching a win in emphatic fashion: the importance of playing together.
“I think, for one, we have better recognition on both sides. Kung anong nangyari sa game. It’s not all about 'yong energy lang, it’s about how you read the game on both ends,” said Monteverde.
“I guess, winning this game in this way will make us realize that it’s very important to play together. It’s not just about talent. It’s about having that recognition, on making decisions din sa game."
[RELATED STORY: Goldwin Monteverde: Manufacturing UP as the ‘gold standard’ in UAAP men’s basketball]
UP, absorbing shocking losses from University of Santo Tomas and Adamson, knew better this time and quickly doused the hot-starting Falcons for a 27-20 lead at the end of the opening frame.
The Fighting Maroons dropped a 26-16 bomb in the second, and their advantage ballooned to 53-36 at the turn.
Rookie Nnoruka, who followed Remogat in producing his best game so far for UP, asserted his will in the paint with thunderous dunks — including one that gave his team its biggest lead at 28 points, 85-57, with 6:15 ticks left in the match.
Nnoruka also made sure to contribute on both ends of the floor, posting three blocks.
[WATCH: UP logs win No. 1 vs UE, arrests dismal start to Season 88 campaign | UAAP Highlights]
The Red Warriors, who zoomed to a 17-9 before falling apart against the Fighting Maroons, drew double-digit outputs from four players.
Precious Momowei led UE with his own all-around showing of 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
Wello Lingolingo added 18 markers, John Abate churned out 15 points, six assists and four steals, while Jhondrew Jimenez added 10 markers.
The Fighting Maroons (1-2) will aim to ride the momentum of their first victory when they collide with second-running National U (2-0) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, Oct. 4.
The Red Warriors (0-3), meanwhile, will try to challenge University of Santo Tomas in their home court in the other game.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team and mixed martial arts.