A league-best mark and a six-game winning streak should please any coach. Not Topex Robinson of defending champion La Salle, who maintained clinching the first Final Four slot in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament was not their focus.
“We didn’t really talk about any Final Four scenario for us. We just did what we’re supposed to do and make sure we’re gonna keep up, especially their guards because we know every time Adamson wins, most of the guards really scored, so they gave a lot of contributions,” Robinson said after the Green Archers ripped the Adamson University Soaring Falcons 70-45 last Saturday that hiked their card to 9-1.
“We just respected that threat coming from their guys. We just really clamped down on making sure they’re not gonna get those easy baskets. We cannot stop them, but we’ll always try to make sure that the shots they’re gonna take are gonna be challenged,” he added.
Robinson said one of the areas in his wards’ game boosting their bid for a second straight crown is their defense that they intend to keep.
“They just enjoy each other’s company, especially in making stops. We just have to keep it up, like you said, keep up the identity of being one of the best defensive teams, especially of the best pressing teams,” he said. “That’s just part of who we are and what we represent.”
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao echoed Robinson’s sentiments, saying: “We’re very happy na nakuha namin iyong Final Four spot pero tulad ng sinasabi ni coach, marami pa kaming kailangan i-improve and then move on sa next game namin.
“Focus lang sa kung anong kaya namin i-focus, one game at a time lang kami lagi pero sobrang happy kami na nanalo kami ngayon.”
The league called off the games yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena due to Tropical Storm “Kristine.”
“In light of the impending severe weather, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has announced the postponement of all scheduled games for Wednesday, October 23,” the league said in a statement. “This decision follows the class suspensions declared by Manila, Quezon City, and Pasay City due to Tropical Storm ‘Kristine.’”
The postponed games were Adamson University against Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines facing University of the East.
Robinson and the Taft-based five are fully aware the job is not yet done and they’re just careful what they wish for in a sport where upsets and meltdowns are not farfetched.
