Known for his calm and silent demeanor, UP veteran Harold Alarcon makes his loudest statement on the court as the Fighting Maroons continue to roll in UAAP Season 88.
When it comes to leadership, Harold Alarcon doesn’t need to say a word.
And as the Fighting Maroons' winning streak continues, the veteran guard is letting his game do the talking.
Alarcon posted a team-high 15 points, then added nine rebounds and three assists as the defending champion UP fought tooth and nail to fend off the upset-seeking FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 88 on Sunday.
[ALSO READ: Red-hot UP avoids upset from pesky FEU for fourth straight win in UAAP Season 88]
“Hindi ako vocal na player pero pinapapakita ko lang siya through my actions. Doon ko lang siya pinapakita sa ensayo and sa mga games kaya doon makikita nila kung ano ako as a leader,” Alarcon bared.
FEU had multiple chances to tie the game in the final 19 seconds, but Jorick Bautista missed two three-pointers as the Tamaraws just couldn't buy a bucket.
“As we always say, the UAAP is composed of teams you can’t take for granted,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.
He added: “Considering the limited number of games, you can expect every game to be a dogfight, and FEU, as expected, showed that tonight.”
Gani Stevens added 14 points and nine rebounds for UP, now winners of four straight, while Reylan Torres chipped in 12.
After a 0-2 start, UP moved into a tie for third place with Ateneo thanks to the victory.
Game on for Alarcon
As the Fighting Maroons continue to pick up steam, so is Alarcon’s offense.
Struggling in the early part of the season, the two-time champion is averaging 16 points in his last two games.
“Sa past few games namin, marami akong natutunan at lalo akong nag-mature. Kinakausap din ako ng mga coaches na talagang laruin lang ‘yung basketball, which is ‘yun naman ‘yung laging sinasabi sa akin ni coach Goldwin [Monteverde],” Alarcon said.
[Harold Alarcon in action for UP vs. FEU in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball | Photo: The UAAP]
Beyond his scoring, the UP veteran has also been making an impact on defense, averaging 2.4 steals per game during UP’s current win streak.
“Marami din akong lapses sa depensa kanina, kaya it’s just a conscious effort na dumepensa, and as time goes by, need ko pa mag-improve,” he added.
UP now looks ahead to a Finals rematch with DLSU to close its first round schedule on Oct. 19.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.