'More of the same' for UP as Maroons battle FEU

By Josiah Albelda Posted Jul 26th 2014

Coming close to a victory in their last game, University of the Philippines coach Rey Madrid rues the chances that the Fighting Maroons missed against Ateneo de Manila University.

Now toting a 24-game losing skid, the Diliman cagers could only hope the drought ends soon.

UP battles rebound-hungry Far Eastern University in the 77th UAAP men's basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Maroons fell to the Blue Eagles, 75-86, as their losing streak that dates back to August 19, 2012 — when they beat University of the East led by then-rookie Henry Asilum.

Asilum is now in his 3rd season and will be at the forefront when UP battles the Tamaraws, who are raring to bounce back from a tough loss to University of Santo Tomas.

"We'll be expecting more of the same," Madrid said of the Maroons' matchup with FEU. "Sana hindi kami mag-lose ng composure, especially sa press."

UP battled Ateneo toe-to-toe, only to get buried in double-digit holes by bursts by the Eagles that caught them flat-footed.

"Actually, that was our best chance to have a good game," Madrid added. "Nalingat lang kami ng dalawang beses e. Wala na kaming mabunot e."

And despite the close loss, Madrid said he's disappointed with the way his wards performed against Ateneo's pressing defense.

"Nag-succumb kami sa press, wherein di kami dapat napre-press,"  he shared. "That was a very disappointing game para sa akin."

The Maroons get the chance to atone for that against the Tamaraws, who will be led quick guards Mike Tolomia and Achie Inigo, and fleet-footed big men Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy, Anthony Hargrove, and Russel Escoto.