Vhoris Marasigan redeemed a missed chance in Game 2 by delivering the timely Game 3 baskets that fueled La Salle’s late surge and sealed the UAAP Season 88 championship.
Vhoris Marasigan refused to let one painful moment define his season. And in the biggest game of his young career, he made sure it didn’t happen again.
Burdened by the missed title-clinching shot in Game 2, the DLSU sophomore entered the deciding Game 3 of UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals with a calm mindset.
That paid off big time as Marasigan put up 10 points, two steals, and zero turnovers as the Green Archers reclaimed the UAAP title after their 80-72 victory.
More than the numbers, it was his five points in the final minutes, including back-to-back baskets at the 3:25 mark, that swung the momentum firmly back to La Salle.
“Sobrang saya,” Marasigan told reporters.
“Hindi ko akalain na papasok pala ’yung tira ko. Noong Game 2, sabi lang ng mga coaches sa akin, move forward lang. Sabi ko rin sa sarili ko, babawi naman ako.”
Getting confidence after Game 2 loss
That belief was reinforced by the people around him. After Game 2, Marasigan said he never once felt doubt from his teammates or the coaching staff.
“Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila na walang sawang suporta,” he shared. “Sa mga coaches at sa management, sobrang thankful ako sa walang sawang tiwala nila.”
[ALSO READ: Vhoris Marasigan unshaken after potential title-winning shot rims out in La Salle’s Game 2 los]
Rather than playing with too much aggression in Game 3, Marasigan chose composure. And when the shots finally fell, the 23-year-old guard credited faith as much as preparation.
Vhoris Marasigan in action during Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 Finals. | Photo: UAAP
“Kinakalma ko lang ’yung sarili ko kasi kapag sobra ’yung gigil, baka ma-frustrate lang ako. Sobrang patient ko lang,” said Marasigan.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. Nananalangin talaga ako kay Lord. Sabi ko, sana pumasok lahat ng tira ko ngayon. Binigay naman Niya,” he added.
Now, Marasigan can celebrate his first UAAP title, knowing that he made up for his heartbreaking miss in Game 2.
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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.