In his third game for the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 88, Rey Remogat finally found his rhythm — and it was against his former team, UE Red Warriors.
The third time is the charm for University of the Philippines transferee Rey Remogat.
In the Fighting Maroons' third game, poetically against his former team, University of the East, Remogat delivered to hand his current squad its first win in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday, Sept. 28.
Remogat averaged a meager 2.5 points in UP's first two contests as he even went scoreless against Adamson.
Rey Remogat holds on to his faith as he rises from his early struggles in UAAP Season 88. | Photo: UAAP
But ranged against the Red Warriors, he found his groove, sizzling with 18 of his 21 points in the first half.
He also had 11 assists and seven rebounds.
[WATCH: UP's Rey Remogat comes alive against former school UE | UAAP Highlights]
Remogat leans on mental fortitude, faith in God
After the game, the veteran point guard said that it was all a matter of sharpening his mental game, anchored on his belief that the Lord would eventually turn things around for him.
“Siguro, nag-start sa mental [preparation], eh,” Remogat said when asked what changed for him leading to his breakout game.
“Kasi, siguro, kung ibang player 'yon, baka na-depress na or something, inatake na ng anxiety. Pero ako kasi, the more na lumulubog ako, the more na tinatatagan ko 'yong faith ko kay Lord… Naniwala lang ako kay Lord, sa Kaniya, na darating yung time [na] mailalabas ko ulit 'yong laro ko.”
[RELATED STORY: Monteverde shares UP's takeaway in 1st win over UE: 'It's very important to play together’]
It was not lost on Remogat that his best game so far for UP came against his previous school.
But it did not really matter to him as much.
“Siguro, God willing [lang] na sa UE lumabas 'yong laro ko,” Remogat said.
For Remogat, it was just about pressing on in giving the team what is asked of him, especially as they tried to avoid a 0-3 hole to start their title defense.
Luckily, he was able to find his rhythm.
“Ako kasi, miss or make, talagang titira ako. Kung may chance, talagang titira ako. Siguro, noong napifeel ko lang na pumapasok, parang wala na akong iniisip na iba kung hindi tumira nang tumira,” Remogat said.
[ALSO READ: Jadem Lazo prioritizes impact over scoring as Blue Eagles go 3-0 in UAAP]
But it was not just about himself. He also made sure to involve his teammates — his 11 dimes the perfect proof of it.
“Kasi noong halftime, sinabihan ako ng mga coach na for sure, idu-double team ako or something na magbabago 'yong defensive scheme nila,” Remogat said.
“So in-adjust ko rin 'yong sarili ko. Mas binigyan ko ng importansya 'yong space ng teamamtes ko kasi alam kong 'pag pinasahan ko sila nang pinasahan, luluwang ulit sa'kin. So siguro, suwerte lang din ako kasi nashu-shoot nila,” he added.
Remogat hopes to keep his energy going to lead UP to another win when it collides with second-running National U (2-0) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, Oct. 4.
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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.