IN a season fast-proving to be a wide-open battle for the crown, defending champion University of the Philippines is showing it still has what it takes.
Fighting Maroons coach Goldwin Monteverde has just one plea for his wards — be consistent.
“Siguro nandoon kami sa process of it but iyong full potential namin is kailangan kaming magtrabaho and we’re really working hard for that,” Monteverde said after UP edged University of the East 84-77 two days ago and hiked its mark to 5-1. “So far, one thing we need to address in the game sa start maging consistent kami.
“Nakikita ko naman na we could really execute offensively, and we really do good on defense. Sana magawa na namin on a consistent basis,” he added.
The Maroons seek a second straight win and the solo lead when they battle slumping University of Santo Tomas tomorrow in the 85th UAAP basketball tournament at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The match is set at 1 p.m. before La Salle tries to redeem itself from a stunning loss the last time against Adamson University at 4:30.
The likes of Carl Tamayo, Terrence Fortea, 6-foot-11 Senegalese import Malick Diouf, James Spencer, Zavier Lucero, and JD Cagulangan will be counted upon by UP to deliver.
The Growling Tigers have dropped their last five games, counting a 60-75 setback to erstwhile winless Far Eastern University last Wednesday.
UST will lean on Nic Cabañero, Adama Faye, Ivan Lazarte, and Miguel Pangilinan in its bid to crash the win-column.
The Green Archers are determined to rebound from a sorry 76-80 setback at the hands of National University two days ago that dropped them to 3-3.
Kevin Quiambao, Michael Phillips, Evan Nelle, and Schonny Winston will carry the fight for La Salle.
Holding a 2-4 record and coming off a 55-76 defeat to Ateneo last Wednesday, the Soaring Falcons will pin their hopes on Jerom Lastimosa, Lenda Douanga, and Vince Magbuhos.
