UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde is satisfied with the Fighting Maroons' response after back-to-back losses in UAAP Season 87.
UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde expressed his delight at his Fighting Maroons following an inspired performance against the FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday.
Already assured of their place in the standings heading into the Final Four after 12 games, UP had virtually nothing to gain in the matchups against FEU and the UE Red Warriors next week.
But eager to shake off the sting of a two-game losing streak, UP came out guns blazing.
Though being tested by FEU’s do-or-die mentality, Monteverde saw his players recover and hold on for the victory, even as they squandered a 16-point advantage in the third quarter.
[RELATED: UAAP: UP Fighting Maroons get back on track, eliminate FEU Tamaraws from Final Four race]
“Everytime na may game na ganito na we had to battle it out talaga in the end, it makes you proud as a coach,” said Monteverde.
“Especially coming from dalawang talo kami, but seeing the heart from the players when we started, and even through the imperfections of the game, they were trying to execute at dumepensa. And for me, you know, talk about bouncing back — this would be a first time this season,” he added.
But it didn’t take just anyone from the Fighting Maroons to help stave off the Tamaraws who had everything to gain — FEU needed to win to stay in contention for the Final Four.
Veteran guard JD Cagulangan, who had been struggling with his shot in the first three quarters, had to find his rhythm and drill the dagger three to push UP’s lead to six, 84-78, with 27.6 remaining in the clock.
After the game, Cagulangan shrugged it off as nothing special. But he deflected credit his teammates’ trust that helped him find his shot — despite his 3-of-14 shooting clip prior to that basket.
“Sa last shot na 'yun, na-feel ko lang 'yung tiwala ng teammates ko. Pati coaches. Nandon 'yung tiwala. So, kahit anong mangyari, ma-shoot ko man 'yung tira ko, may naniniwala sakin,” he said.
Before heading into their Final Four preparations, the Fighting Maroons have one more game to play to continue to regain their winning habits when they face the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, November 20, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
UP will once again be faced with an everything-to-gain team with the Red Warriors needing a win to get an outright Final Four berth.
UP and UE are scheduled for tip off on the 20th at 5:30 p.m.