By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines is not resting on its laurels this early despite lording it over in the standings of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The Fighting Maroons are currently enjoying a four-game winning streak that kept them ahead of their counterparts, particularly bitter rival De La Salle at second with a 4-1 card.
But for 6-foot-10 bruiser Quentin Millora-Brown, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.
“It’s still early. This is only the fourth game and we have a lot more that we want to achieve this season. So, I think all of us are just trying to stay grounded and understand that this win is one win out of many that we want to have,” said Millora-Brown moments after their commanding 69-58 victory over Far Eastern University where he registered a double-double output of 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Expect that to be UP’s mindset when it stakes its pristine record against Adamson on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Game is at 4:30 p.m. after University of the East tangles with National University at 6:30 p.m.
The Maroons hope the week-long rest would keep them rejuvenated against the dangerous Falcons, who are riding the momentum of a 60-58 squeaker against the National University Bulldogs that improved their record to 3-2.
“We just need to continue to improve and make sure that none of us get complacent or lazy. Just make sure each day and we bring the focus and attention that we need to,” said Millora-Brown, who is expected to join forces with high-flying forward Francis Lopez and cat-quick guard JD Cagulangan to spearhead the crew.
Easier said than done as the Falcons are set to parade their own core anchored on guard Mathew Montebon and versatile big man AJ Fransman.
Also out to ride the crest of their recent victory is UE, who are poised to showcase the same intensity that led them to stun reigning champion La Salle, 75-71, last time.
Jonjon Abate and Wello Lingolingo are ready to lead the way for the Warriors, but the Bulldogs are expected to be hungrier this time in their bid to snap a three-game skid that put them at 1-4 near the cellar.
The Jhocson-based squad will lean on its offensive weapons in Jolo Manansala, Jake Figueroa, Kenshin Padrones and PJ Palacielo with Steve Nash Enriquez as the floor general for coach Jeff Napa side.
