Although the 2 referees in the UP vs NU game were suspended, Coach Boyet Fernandez was given a warning by Commissioner Ato Badolato for crossing the court after the buzzer but the bad news for the short-handed maroons is Alvin Padilla was slapped with another 1-game suspension for crossing the court and shouting invectives at the referees.
The UP Fighting Maroons next game will be against Adamson this Thursday, and 3 key players (Alvin Padilla, Woody Co and Mark Lopez) will be out as UP is trying to get its 1st win.
Recap of Last Week:
8/13 – Battle of Katipunan Part 2, Ateneo defeats UP and Alvin Padilla committed a technical foul at the end game which causes him to be suspended for 1 game.
8/19 – UP vs La Salle Round 2, DLSU beats UP and Woody Co (Ankle) and Mark Lopez (ACL) got injured in the game and will be out for the season
8/23 – Controversial loss by UP over NU, UP made a comeback but still came back short and UP put this game under protest.
I am sad for all the losses of UP Fighting Maroons and it looks like it is getting harder and harder to get the first win especially when there is only a few games left. I personally believe that there is a lot of reasons going against UP this season, but the worst enemy that haunted the team since 3 or 4 seasons ago is player’s attitude and focus on the game. Most of the players lost themselves after making a good shot or move. What they should do is focus on their defense, individually and team-wise. How any times did we see that after making a shot, a UP player will make a stupid move resulting to technical fouls and free throws being awarded to the opposing team. Many times these infractions changes the complexion of the game in favor of the other team and many times these prove to be the turning point of the final result. Errors committed were numerous every time UP play. Players were doing roles not fit for their position. For instance, Magi Sison would take a lot of outside shots when his job should be very near the ring during offense waiting for the misses for follow ups or assists by his team mates. His distance from the ring and his urge to make quick shots forced him to dribble the ball which more often than not were stolen by the point guards of the other team. UP also lacks every year reliable point guards and centers. You do not have in UP a center as talented as FEU’s Ramos, or even as good as Adamson’s Galinato. UP does not have a point guard as steady and intelligent as MOnfort, Paul Lee, and Garcia. UP also, has a poor team offense and teasm defense.
Puro turn over… di nila mabasag ang full court press ng kahit sinong team. Once nagstart na ang full cort press asahan mo na ang sunod sunod na steals or hurried basket dahil paubos na ang shot clock.
Though, medyo malaki ang nakita kong improvement since nag take over si coach boyet di nga lang sa lahat ng aspects… sana a full off and on season can help. Kaso ubos na ang mga veterans… hehe…
Better luck next year!