University of the Philippines coach Goldwin Monteverde believes their stinging upset loss to National University not only serves as a wake-up call, but a test of character for his stalwarts in the crucial phase of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The Maroons, who already booked a Final Four berth, found themselves yielding to the cellar-dwelling Bulldogs over the weekend, 67-47, underscoring the reality that there are better and worse days in teams seeing action in such competitive atmosphere.

“These are human beings also. So minsan, may mga araw na ganon,” said Monteverde, whose team absorbed its second defeat against nine victories.

“I think this game would teach somebody, character-wise. Kung paano to keep up or endure or whatever comes your way,” he added.

Monteverde said the defeat opened doors for more improvement that would be beneficial in the next phase.

In fact, he noted their lethargic start against NU, which resulted in the Bulldogs’ scoring barrage in the first quarter, 24-8, that set the tone throughout the game.

They also stumbled with 30 woeful turnovers, and had a measly 17-of-65 clip from the field for 26.2 percent which NU exploited.

The Maroons also showcased their weak defense, allowing the Bulldogs to explode behind the arc with seven triples -- five from Patrick Yu.

“Gusto naming tanggalin talaga yung slow start na yan. Even if we win or we lose the game, we always try to find yung mga things to improve on individually and also as a team,” said Monteverde.

He took the loss in stride, and added they would use this to further boost their morale.

“I believe naman, ‘yong gantong mga klaseng game should make us stronger also. Learning from this, preparing us for bigger teams na darating,” he said.

The Maroons gun for another shot at a Final Four bonus when they clash with defending champion and fellow semifinalist De La Salle Green Archers on Sunday. Nov. 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.