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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider UP shows true character after dismal Season 88 start

UP shows true character after dismal Season 88 start

Published Oct 6, 2025 02:04 pm

At A Glance

  • Opening their title retention bid on a wrong note, the Fighting Maroons have appeared to be learning from their past mistakes after showing their true character off a 76-69 win over erstwhile unbeaten National University over the weekend.
Gani Steven stamps his class in UP's win over NU. (UAAP Media)
Gani Steven stamps his class in UP's win over NU. (UAAP Media)
University of the Philippines is trying its best to rebound from its lackluster 0-2 start in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
Opening their title retention bid on a wrong note, the Fighting Maroons have appeared to be learning from their past mistakes after showing their true character off a 76-69 win over erstwhile unbeaten National University over the weekend.
“This game really just showed our character,” said the 21-year-old Gani Stevens, who helped the State U improve its record to 2-2 in the standings, while dealing the Bulldogs their first loss this season.
The 6-foot-7 center knew he had to do something and responded well with big baskets down the stretch.
“Going into halftime, we had that little run and then even at the start of the third, we had that run again. I just knew that I had to dig deep,” added Stevens, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block.
“So, I knew that I needed to step up for my team and I just wanted to do everything I could, rebounds, block shots, helping to communicate and my teammates did that as well and that's why we were able to finish strong,” he added.
Aside from the Filipino-American big man, Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Reyland Torres also gave UP major contributions across all departments.
Stevens posted his third double-digit game after being held scoreless in their 87-67 defeat to University of Santo Tomas on the opening day.
For UP, it’s the process and not the result
According to assistant coach Christian Luanzon, UP chief tactician Goldwin Monteverde has always reminded his wards to be patient and trust only the system.
“For coach Goldwin, he always emphasized the process rather than the result. We started the first two games 0-2, but really, the process of getting there,” said Luanzon.
“So, we're just continuing to build, even though the season started for us already. Every practice, every game, is a continuing process for us to get better,” he added
The Maroons (2-2) seek to capture their third straight win when they challenge the streaking Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-0) this Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Yeah, it's the same approach, regardless of who we're playing. Obviously, Ateneo, also, the only remaining team unbeaten,” said Luanzon. “We have time to prepare, obviously, a few days and we're gonna give them a fight.”
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UP Fighting Maroons NU Bulldogs UAAP Season 88 Gani Stevens
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