Veejay Pre believes the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons must sustain their fourth-quarter intensity throughout the game after rallying from a 10-point deficit to escape Adamson University, 69-67, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
UP limited the Soaring Falcons to just 12 points in the final period to complete the comeback at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, but Pre stressed that the team cannot afford to keep relying on late rallies.
“Siguro sa next game, kung ganoon iyung mentality namin, iyung ginawa namin sa fourth quarter, dapat sa first quarter pa lang, ganoon na ang ipakita namin,” Pre said in an interview.
The Fighting Maroons surrendered an early advantage and trailed 55-45 entering the fourth quarter before mounting a decisive rally to reclaim control.
Pre contributed eight points during UP’s 17-5 run that gave the team a 62-60 lead with 3:33 remaining. He finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the victory, Pre admitted that the Fighting Maroons were not satisfied with their overall performance, particularly their inability to maintain momentum during the middle quarters.
“A win is a win nga, pero hindi kami kuntento sa ipinakita namin ngayon. Pero balik kami sa practice bukas, and babawi kami sa next game namin sa Saturday,” he said.
The UP forward warned that the team cannot afford to repeat the same pattern of falling behind before attempting to salvage the game late.
“Hindi puwedeng mangyari iyung bagsak kami sa second and third quarters, tapos kailangan naming bumawi sa fourth quarter,” Pre said.
“Eh paano na lang kung nag-comeback kami tapos ganoon ulit ang ipinakita namin? Hindi talaga puwedeng mangyari ang ganoon,” he added.
The victory improved UP’s record to 4-2, tying with National University and Far Eastern University atop the standings.
UP will look to carry its momentum into Saturday’s matchup against winless University of the East as it seeks to close the first round with another victory. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
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