By MARK REY MONTEJO
As much as the splendid start to the UAAP Season 87 campaign, University of the Philippines knew that there is still a lot of room for improvement, particularly on the Fighting Maroons’ consistency on both ends of the floor.
And they are aware that when they manage to rectify their mistakes, the outcome would be nothing but a show of sheer dominance just like how it demolished National University, 89-62, on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
The Fighting Maroons put up an offensive and defensive masterclass over the Bulldogs all throughout the contest – a performance which UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon pointed out as a great response after their lackluster showing in their last game against University of the East.
“Definitely much better than the last game, coach Goldwin (Monteverde) always talks about improvement, after our game last weekend, we had a chance to do some field viewing,” said Luanzon.
“So about the players responding, today they responded in practice as well as tonight. So I hope this continues,” he added, obviously referring to UP’s near collapse last game when it built a lead as high as 27 points but still had to fend off a huge UE fightback which cut its advantage down to just 11.
The Katipunan-based squad was firing from all cylinders right from the get go and went on to seize a mammoth 39-point lead, 76-37, in the third quarter. UP was never really threatened from there as it drew level with La Salle atop the standings with similar 3-0 slates
“It’s all about our team. Nag-usap usap po kami, kung papaano po kami makakabawi kasi ang sama po ng laro namin no’ng patapos ng laban namin,” said Mark Belmonte.
“Naging consistent lang kami hanggang matapos ang game,” he added as UP kept a double-digit winning margin in all of three games so far this season.
Always ready
The 20-year-old Belmonte said he was just ready every time his name was called, emphasizing that he hopes to make use of every opportunity that is given to him.
“Sabi lang sakin lagi ni coach Goldwin na maging ready ako kung gagamitin man ako or hindi. Kung ano lang ‘yung matutulong ko sa team pag pinasok ako, ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko,” Belmonte continued.
“Ang lalim na ng roster namin [and] wala namang mawawala kung ibibigay ko ‘yong best ko ta’s makakatulong pa ako sa team.”
The versatile sophomore proved it after leading an already talent-laden UP with 14 points – off 6-of-7 shooting – along with three rebounds and two assists.
“Ang yung nakakatuwa dito kay Mark is that, I’m not sure if a lot of people know, pero you can say that he’s sort of like a big bloomer in terms of being in a systematic basketball type of league,” added Luanzon.
“The skill, the talent obviously is there .He’s young, he’s athletic. He can shoot from the outside and also yung defense niya. Yung adjustment niya the past few years, this is only his second season.”
Up next for UP (3-0) is winless FEU (0-3) Sunday, Sept. 22, at Mall of Asia Arena.
