UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde urged a stronger response from the Fighting Maroons in Game 2 as they look to keep their title defense alive.
Head coach Goldwin Monteverde stressed the need for a stronger team-wide effort as the UP Fighting Maroons aim to bounce back in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals, following a 70–74 loss to the DLSU Green Archers in the series opener.
Despite Harold Alarcon’s explosive 34-point performance, the State U squad fell short down the stretch as La Salle’s balanced attack and timely stops held firm.
Monteverde acknowledged Alarcon’s heroics but emphasized that UP cannot rely on one player alone in a championship series.
“Yung 34 points ni Harold, I think, of course, kailangan ng team ‘yon. But then, hindi naman pupuwede si Harold lang. To be able to win itong Finals na ito, it should take a team to be able to overcome whatever we’re facing in terms of offense,” told reporters after the match.
Adjustments needed for Game 2
For the coaching staff, Monteverde said the focus will now shift to reviewing execution, addressing lapses, and finding better ways for multiple players to contribute.
UP's Harold Alarcon pulls up for a jumper in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Finals. | Photo: UAAP
Outside of Alarcon, only Francis Nnorouka finished in double-digits with 13 points. Gerry Abadiano finished with eight points, while Reyland Torres and Terrence Fortea had seven and five markers, respectively.
“Just to clear it out, whatever Harold did for us this game, kailangan namin ‘yon. It’s just that na as a team, kailangan may mag-contribute rin, hindi lang siya. I guess as a team, being able to adjust lang sa ginagawa ng La Salle. I think that will really be part of our adjustment namin,” said Monteverde.
[ALSO READ: Luis Pablo relishes tough defensive role vs Harold Alarcon: 'I want to guard every position']
Still winless against La Salle — but far from discouraged
UP has now lost all three of its meetings with La Salle this season, including both elimination-round encounters. But Monteverde reminded his players that adversity is nothing new for this team.
“We just have to play better than this, for one. Pangalawa, just try to find out 'yung mga lapses na meron kami. This is not the first time na natalo kami ‘eh, just reminding ourselves na we started this season at 0-2 nga. I believe 'yung team namin knows how to bounce back from mga ganitong situation.”
The veteran coach stressed that while UP dropped Game 1, the championship is far from decided.
“We just lost a battle, the war is not over yet. We still have two games left, we’re still positive about it.”
[ALSO READ: The UP-DLSU Rivalry: Looking back on high-stakes showdowns since UAAP Season 84]
The Fighting Maroons will aim to keep its title defense alive in Game 2 on Sunday, December 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.