Last November 11 was a great end of the men's basketball team of the UP Fighting Maroons for Season 80.
The first game was a do-or-die game against the NU Bulldogs. The winner of that game will wait for the result of the second game between the FEU Tamaraws and the Adamson Falcons. If Adamson wins, the winner of the first game will force a play off against FEU for the last spot in the Final Four. If FEU wins, they automatically advance to the Final Four.
Before this game, the Maroons were really inconsistent. They won against FEU which boosted their chance to the Final Four but lost to Adamson in their next game by a huge margin. Then they went toe to toe with the then spotless Ateneo which broke our hearts by opening the game wide and eventually winning in the last few minutes of the last quarter, Their played better in that Ateneo game - with better player rotation and 3 point shooting in the 1st half but eventually lost their steam at the end game.
So we really did not know what to expect in this game against NU. We also watched their first round match where they lost by 7 points also just in the last few minutes of the game. We can all argue that it would have been a different story if Jun Manzo was not injured in that game. But it is what it is, The Maroons and the UP community just want to have a great win to end the season just in case it does end that night.
As expected, the UP faithfuls came in droves. Students, alumni and supporters were really there to watch the game and support the guys. It was safe to say that half of the fans in the Big Dome were UP fans. We were seated at the Adamson area and that side was dominated by UP fans as well. It was really a good atmosphere there.
I will not give lengthy game by game narration of the game but the UP was able to get a statement win - a 106 - 85 win over the Bulldogs, still having a chance at the Final Four that the school last experienced in 1997 - a clear 2 decades ago. But 2 hours after, FEU was able to win over Adamson, sending the Maroons out of contention and just a win away from the semis, finishing 5th at 6wins and 8 losses. This is still a marked improvement from the past season where we finished sixth with a 5 - 9 win loss record.
I have tweeted this in my account but I want to congratulate the team for a good season despite falling short of the goal. Hats off to our four graduating players who played their last game. To Andrew Harris and Paolo Romero who served 7 years for UP and 5 playing years, despite getting limited minutes, you will still be known as the captains of this special group of guys. To Ibrahim Ouattara, one year in the UAAP might be short but your heart and the hardwork you showed is really commendable. To Rob Ricafort, the road to UAAP was never a clear one for you but the fight to #DontRobRob was worth it.
To our King Maroon, Paul Desiderio, we admire your tenacity in the court, always playing more than 30 minutes per game. Thank you for giving us those clutch 3 pointers that we never get tired of watching. Thank you for being our go to guy every time we needed that boost of energy. Thank you for giving us a new unofficial mantra - Atin To Papasok To - that will forever be in our hearts. We just want to say - One More Year King Maroon.
To our super rookies - Juan Gomez de Liano and Jun Manzo who defied all odds and showing us that you need that be afraid even if you are a newbee. For Jun Manzo, thank you for all the amazing spin moves, great floaters and superb playmaking for this season, your connection with Paul Desiderio really made wonders this season. To our Rookie of the Year Juan Gomez de Liano, you sure proved that you are a blue chip rookie - scoring at least 20 points in a couple of games and playing like a veteran in your rookie year make us wonder what you can develop into in the next years after gaining experience this season.
To the best bench in the UAAP, thank you for all the contributions to the team, whether you are starting or not, you are always ready when your name is called. Thank you Javi Gomez de Liano, for the great defense this season and your connection with your younger brother Juan really is exciting to watch, Thank you Jarrel Lim and Kyles Lao for always being there to stabilize the team in times of panic. Thank you Jan Jaboneta for the amazing 3 pointers during the DLSU first round game. Thank you Noah Webb for those chase down blocks but also for the unforgettable reactions you gave us at the sidelines. Thank you Jerson Prado for those hustle rebounds and good defense you played despite having quite a disadvantage at the center position. Thank you Gelo Vito for those crucial shots you gave the team at crunch time. Thank you Diego Dario for being the 3rd guard in the rotation and despite the limited minutes, you still get to deliver especially during the Ateneo second round game. Thank you Enzo Battad that despite having limited minutes, you did well in your rookie year and we know that you have worked hard and deserved that last spot in the roster.
To the coaching staff, Coach Bo, Coach Ricky, Coach Rodney, Coach Poch, Coach Mark, Coach Alex, Coach Joe and the other coaches and staff, this will not be possible if you guys were not there to guide these guys.
To the UP community, the best fans in the UAAP this season. It was an honor to be a part of this community and to cheer with all of you guys whether we are #TeamMOA or #TeamAraneta or #TeamBahay or even #TeamLivestream at the car or at the office. You definitely gave these guys a boost by always believing in the UP Fight spirit.
We all believe that the future is bright next season not just beacuse Bright Akhuetie will be playing for us but because we have proven one thing this season, We might not made it to our goal of entering the final four but what we have proven this season is that we are not the push overs anymore. We are here to compete and we are here to win.
Just like what Jun Manzo posted in Twitter :
Nothing is indeed impossible. From that 0-14 season in Season 76 and that single win in Season 77 that prompted us to have bonfire after ending that long losing streak, we really have come a long way. Thank you for making this happen, for making the UP community believe again.
We can't wait for the next season. Hoping it will be our time - and we believe that our time will come.
