Taking a page off storied Alaska franchise

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BY ABBY TORALBA

LA Salle coach Topex Robinson has one explanation on the Green Archers’ four-game winning streak in the 86th UAAP basketball tournament–he is taking a page off the defunct but storied Alaska franchise.

“For us kasi coming into this game, I just told them what I learned from being with the Alaska Aces organization–one thing’s written on that board is what can you do today that will get you closer to winning a championship,” Robinson said after La Salle got back at University of the Philippines 88-79 two nights back.

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“You know, we really just focused on how we can get better. I love the way these guys compete against each other. We term a phrase like teamsmanship. How well everybody could contribute for you to be an elite team.

“You don’t only need leaders, but you also have to have great teammates. Teamsmanship means whoever has the ball you have to share that basketball. We had 20 assists again in a big game like this against UP.  Iyon nga sabi ni KQ (Kevin Quiambao) it’s not about him but the rest of the guys,” added Robinson, who played his last years in the pro league with the Aces before serving as assistant coach to Tim Cone, Luigi Trillo, and Alex Compton.

Robinson also coached Phoenix in the PBA before taking over as La Salle coach.

The Archers’ big win also served as a payback after the Fighting Maroons pulled off a 67-64 triumph in their first-round clash last Oct. 18.

Robinson downplayed the Taft-based five’s win that handed UP only its second loss of the cage wars.

“Sa amin, again, we don’t really look at UP as our opponent, but they are worthy rivals, their strength is our weakness. They know how to end games and they’re composed even without Malick (Diouf) and JD (Cagulangan). They are really a strong team,” Robinson said.

“We’re just happy to keep the game close, we kinda collapse but, sa amin kasi as long as we’re gonna get better with every opportunity. Paying UP with so much respect and winning will be the byproduct of what we’re doing.”

The Archers seek to stretch their winning run to five when they take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, out to mirror their efforts in the UP game.

“The most important thing for us is we don’t wanna let this day slip by without us enjoying this opportunity, playing for the crowd, playing for our fans, and our families,” he said.

“Most of my timeouts weren’t really about Xs and Os anymore, it’s reminding these guys to enjoy it. I told them playing college is the most memorable experience you’re gonna have in your basketball career.”

 

 

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