UAAP: Fighting Maroons moving on after Blue Eagles loss — Bo Perasol

By Kristel Satumbaga

University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol said they are quickly putting the past behind including their 86-64 defeat to defending champion Ateneo on Wednesday in UAAP season 82 men’s basketball.

“I need to put them in the right perspective because we cannot think about this game against Ateneo anymore,” he said. “The reality right now is the playoff game and we need to win that playoff game.”

UP enjoys a twice-to-beat semis incentive after finishing second in the double-round elims, awaiting the winner between Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas in the first stepladder round.

Ateneo propelled straight to the finals after a 14-0 elims sweep.

The Maroons have a two-week respite before the match, and Perasol said they need to maintain their energy for another shot at the crown.

“There’s too much to be done. We need to prepare for our next opponent and it’s not going to be an easy task,” he said.

For now, Perasol wants his stalwarts to focus on improving their game, particularly on executing better offense and being consistent against a strong squad like Ateneo.

They are also counting their blessings.

“We are thankful that we have landed in this position knowing that they have worked a lot of being in the No. 2 spot, because I couldn’t imagine ourselves if we have lost against De La Salle,” said Perasol, referring to last week’s 71-68 win that eliminated the Archers from the Final Four race.

Perasol hopes they could get another shot at facing the Blue Eagles for a second time in the finals.

“Maybe given another time, we will have the chance (of beating them),” he said.

Meanwhile, action resumes on Nov. 6 with FEU and UST facing in the knockout semis.

Source: Manila Bulletin