Noy Remogat’s strong bounce-back in Game 2 kept the UP Fighting Maroons' championship hopes alive, moving him one win closer to his ultimate goal in the UAAP Season 88 Finals.
Noy Remogat didn’t dwell on his muted Game 1 showing—and he certainly didn’t blame Finals nerves for it. Instead, the UP guard responded by staying ready and showing up when it mattered most.
After scoring just three points in UP’s 70–74 loss in the UAAP Season 88 Finals opener, Remogat bounced back with 12 points, three steals, two assists, and a rebound to help the Fighting Maroons grind out a 66–63 win over the DLSU Green Archers in Game 2 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“For me kasi, ‘yung jitters, parang hindi naman ako naniniwala sa ganun,” Remogat told reporters after the match.
“Siguro ‘yung first game lang, mas napagandaan ng maayos ng kabilang team. Para sa kanila ‘yung Game 1—itong Game 2 para sa’min naman.”
All eyes on the winner-take-all Game 3
The response was crucial for UP, which once again finds itself in a Finals series going the distance against La Salle—mirroring their last two championship meetings.
With only one game left to decide the title, Remogat believes preparation has shifted away from schemes and scouting.
[ALSO READ: From Quiambao to Cortez: Jacob Bayla is UP's designated stopper in UAAP Finals]
And knowing that both teams will be desperate in Game 3, the 23-year-old guard insists the Fighting Maroons must want it more.
“Sa ganitong panahon, mentally na lang ‘yan—at sa puso,” said Remogat. “Wala na ‘yung scout-scout, X and O’s. Kung sino mas gusto manalo, siya ‘yung kukuha.”
“‘Yun lang ‘yung gusto kong magiging ganun yung team namin na kailangan mas gustuin namin. Kasi for sure naman, yung kapilang team gusto rin lang manalo. So dapat mas gustuin namin,” he added.
One win from the goal
Winning a championship has always been Remogat's goal since his move to UP. But for now, he’s keeping his focus locked on the team's task at hand.
Noy Remogat in action during UP's Game 2 victory over La Salle in the UAAP Season 88 Finals. | Photo: UAAP
“Masaya sana, pero focus muna ako sa Game 3 kasi patayan na talaga ‘yun. Wala ka nang ititira. Lahat ng gas kailangan mong ilabas,” he said.
“Malapit na ako sa goal ko. Kailangan ko lang trabaho eh kasi ‘di pa naman tapos ‘yung trabaho namin na makuha ‘yung championship. Kailangan namin tapusin ito ng maganda.”
UP and La Salle will settle the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball championship in Game 3 on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
—
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.