University of the Philippines was well aware of its inconsistencies in its last match against University of the East.

They needed to respond. Fortunately, the State U came to its senses and demolished National University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Wednesday evening, Sept. 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. tournament.

The Fighting Maroons displayed their offensive and defensive might in their 89-62 victory over the Bulldogs.

UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon stressed it was a great statement following their lackluster showing in the final minutes of their last game against the Red Warriors.

“Definitely much better than the last game, coach Goldwin (Monteverde) always talks about improvement… after our game last weekend, we had a chance to do some field viewing,” said Luanzon.

“So about the players responding, today they responded in practice as well as tonight. So I hope this continues,” he added.

The Katipunan-based squad got off strong and seized a mammoth 39-point lead, 76-37, in the third quarter, enough to seal the deal for last year’s bridesmaid finishers and leveling with the defending champions La Salle Green Archers (3-0) in the standings.

UP was almost stunned by UE in its second game after blowing away a 27-point lead in the third quarter. 

The Fighting Maroons tried to address the mistakes, which, according to Mark Belmonte, were discussed along with his teammates prior to the NU game.

“It’s all about out team. Nag-usap usap po kami, kung papaano po kami makakabawi kasi ang sama po ng laro namin no’ng patapos ng laban namin,” said Belmonte.

“Naging consistent lang kami hanggang matapos ang game,” he added.

Always ready

The 20-year-old Belmonte is always ready whenever his name is called, emphasizing that he was just trying to give his best when the opportunity to play rises.

“Sabi lang sakin lagi ni coach Goldwin na maging ready ako kung gagamitin man ako or hindi. Kung ano lang ‘yung matutulong ko sa team pag pinasok ako, ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko,” Belmonte said.

“Ang lalim na ng roster namin [and] wala namang mawawala kung ibibigay ko ‘yong best ko tapos makakatulong pa ako sa team.”

The versatile sophomore proved it after emerging on top of an already talent-laden UP with 14 points on a near perfect 6-of-7 shooting, on top of three rebounds and two assists.

Up next for UP is winless FEU (0-3) Sunday, Sept. 22, at Mall of Asia Arena.