The loud crowd and all the distractions that came the Taft squad's way in Game 2 could not affect Topex Robinson and DLSU Green Archers, as they look forward to Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
The DLSU Green Archers are one win away from cementing themselves in the history books as back-to-back UAAP champions.
But the road to glory this time around has been met with plenty of obstacles—none bigger than for coach Topex Robinson.
In their first round encounter, the De La Salle tactician faced heavy criticism after allegedly spitting on Reyland Torres of the UP Fighting Maroons.
There were even confrontations between the UP and DLSU coaching staff during the third quarter and after the final buzzer. But eventually, cooler heads prevailed.
Later on, the UAAP’s investigation found a lack of "conclusive" evidence to prove that Robinson spat on a player or that Torres used profane language.
Still, social media buzzed with videos and posts from both sides, leading the league to issue warnings to both for "unsportsmanlike" conduct.
[ALSO READ: Topex Robinson thanks La Salle, supporters for sticking through ‘spitting incident’ against UP]
With the Green Archers and Fighting Maroons back in the Finals once more and all the animosity surrounding the two squads, Robinson still finds a way to keep himself and his champion team locked in.
“We always start our game with that circle. You know, that's the circle of safety for us. You know, with that circle, we protect each other. You know, we don’t let--if you're not part of that circle, that means whatever it is that you say or you do will not affect us,” Robinson said after La Salle’s comeback win in Game 2.
“We remind each other about that circle to keep it tight and not letting anybody get in that. So we always try to quiet the outside noise as much as it's so loud.”
[ALSO READ: Mike Phillips, La Salle grateful to live and fight another day after Game 2 escape vs UP]
After faltering in Game 1 and seemingly at the brink of losing their championship in Game 2, the Green Archers somehow found a way to break the Fighting Maroons’ hearts.
The key behind their success? Robinson says it’s all about enjoying the moment.
“We enjoy the moment, you know, the moment is the only one we could hold on to,” said Robinson. “We don't worry about the future because we're just trying to sink into that moment.”
“What happened in that fourth quarter in those last three minutes of the game was just so beautiful. You know, seeing that crowd, you mentioned about the UP crowd, we're all over the place already. You know, when we were making mistakes and sabi nga namin, this experience will never happen again,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Quiambao makes up for sleepless nights after Game 1 with clutch outing in La Salle's Game 2 win]
Game 3 will not be something new for Robinson and his DLSU squad.
After all, it took them Game 3 to take down UP last year in Season 86.
Game plans and preparations aside, it’s all about enjoying the moment once more for the Green Archers as they ready to do battle once more for glory.
“We're not going to let the worries of the future or the regret of the past stop us from enjoying it. And that's how we're going to approach Sunday. You know, we're just going to enjoy it,” Robinson explained.
“The crowd will be crazy, but that's what we're here for. You know, the reason why you play the finals is for this kind of moments. You know, you prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you. So we just keep on enjoying it.”