COACH Goldwin Monteverde of reigning champion University of the Philippines is not one to cry over spilt milk after the Fighting Maroons dropped a crucial 67-75 loss to Ateneo last Saturday.
Monteverde said UP’s focus is now on the Final Four of the 85th UAAP basketball tournament against an opponent yet to be known.
“What’s important now is to look forward doon sa darating na game, kung sino man ang makalaban namin sa Final Four. Since day one, first game namin, tinitignan namin, one game at a time,” Monteverde said.
“I’ve been very consistent on what to work on. Definitely marami kaming matututunan as a team. Importante maging ready kami sa Final Four,” he added.
The Maroons’ defeat to the Blue Eagles pulled them down to 11-3.
If and when Ateneo prevails over Adamson tomorrow in the last playdate of the eliminations, the Eagles will clinch the No. 1 slot in the playoffs with a twice-to-beat advantage.
UP will be relegated as the second seed but still with a win-once edge against No. 3 National University.
If Ateneo loses and the Maroons end up as the top seed, they will take on either the Soaring Falcons or La Salle.
The Maroons’ riveting title run last season is now a thing of the past, according to Monteverde.
“I never think of that. Hindi ko siya maihahalintulad sa last season,” he said.
“Kami naman ang importante every game we just have to make sure we come really prepared. I don’t really put much thought sa sitwasyon na iyon.”
