Staying ready has been the key to success for the UP Fighting Maroons' undefeated run so far in UAAP Season 87.
Another game, another player has stepped up for the UP Fighting Maroons.
In their comeback win to tame the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday, veteran guard Harold Alarcon led the way for UP with a team-high 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Five players have been named Player of the Game in six games, a testament to the Fighting Maroons’ depth and talent in Season 87.
Against UST, Francis Lopez dropped 15 points from 7-of-11 field goals along with six rebounds and two steals.
Against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, Terrence Fortea went perfect from the field with 13 points from four-of-four field goals. He also had five rebounds and two steals.
Against the FEU Tamaraws, Quentin Millora-Brown registered a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Against the NU Bulldogs, Mark Belmonte was +29 on the field with 14 points from six-of-seven field goals, along with three rebounds and two assists.
Only JD Cagulangan so far has two Player of the Game honors, erupting for 21 points against the University of the East.
Against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, JD had a double-double of his own with 17 points and 10 assists, along with seven boards.
But how exactly does the State U squad--currently at 6-0--stay ready whenever called upon by coach Goldwin Monteverde?
Alarcon pointed out the team's mindset, as they head to their final game in the first round.
“Staying ready comes from training every day, giving your best every day [sa] practices, games,” Alarcon told reporters.
“Hindi lang siya din sa physical, puwede din siya sa mental, spiritual. Makakatulong din talaga 'yung pagiging aware ka sa pang araw-araw kasi hindi din puwede mag-focus kami sa bukas, eh meron ka pa namang ngayon,” he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Even at 6-0, UP Fighting Maroons told to ‘not play the score’]
In a team full of stars, most--if not all--of UP’s players could start for another UAAP team. But Alarcon emphasized that each of his teammates continue to look at the bigger picture in Season 87.
“Wala naman [egos] kasi every guy sa amin parang nagre-remind lang na hindi naman ito about sa'yo, hindi naman ito about sakin, about ito sa team,” Alarcon bared.
[ALSO READ: Harold Alarcon keeps UP guards ready amid JD Cagulangan’s absence vs UST]
With just one more game in the elimination round, UP will face its biggest test yet as it faces its rivals, the defending champions DLSU Green Archers.
But for now, Alarcon and the rest of the Fighting Maroons are staying level-headed even with an undefeated record so far in the tournament.
“Confidence siguro okay pa rin, okay sa amin ‘yan paparating sa La Salle game pero iniisip lang namin na baka mag sobra na yung confidence namin, maging complacent kami and nireremind lang namin yung bawat isa na stay leveled,” said Alarcon.
“Malayo pa ‘yung UAAP. Patapos pa lang ‘yung first round and hindi naman ‘yung first round lang yung goal namin eh, hindi naman second round ‘yung goal namin, ang goal talaga namin ay ‘yung tapos ng UAAP [which is ‘yung] championship,” he added.
The UP-DLSU bout will be on Sunday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.