The early defeat to the UE Red Warriors in UAAP Season 87 turned into something positive for the De La Salle Green Archers, according to coach Topex Robinson, relieving pressure from the defending champions.
The DLSU Green Archers had less than 72 hours to recover from their surprising loss to the UE Red Warriors last Sunday.
While many expected La Salle to bounce back convincingly, the Green Archers had to stave off the gritty FEU Tamaraws for a 68-62 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Wednesday.
For the Green Archers, who have been under the spotlight for their performance, the defeat came as a wake-up call.
Head coach Topex Robinson clarified their loss against UE was not an upset. He admitted, though, that their defeat may have unexpectedly alleviated some of the mounting pressure on the defending champions.
“We don’t really consider it as an upset and UE just gave us something that really helped us. I guess, it kinda cleaned up the pressure of not losing,” Robinson said during the post-game press conference.
“You know, when you get so used to winning parang kasalanan na matalo ka. But I guess what it did to us as a team was it grounded us,” he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson, DLSU avoid blame game after loss in Season 87]
Expected to be at the top of the standings, Robinson knows that defending their crown will be even harder this season, especially with more teams improving each game.
This was evident with their close win against the young Tamaraws squad, who rallied from a double-digit deficit to start the second half.
It took the efforts of Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips, who both finished with a double-double effort, to save the game. The reigning MVP had 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Motor Mike had 13 markers and 14 boards.
“It just reminded us that this season for us is gonna be hard and even harder, just like what happened today with FEU,” said Robinson.
“So if it doesn’t kill us, it’s just gonna make us stronger. I guess, that’s just the story of our season right now,” he added.
Next for the DLSU will be the UST Growling Tigers on Sunday, September 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.