Molded by experience, Alarcon relishes taking over for Maroons in squeaker vs Tigers
MANILA, Philippines — As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher.
And University of the Philippines star Harold Alarcon’s takeover performance against University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday proved that.
Alarcon and the Fighting Maroons climbed out of a 15-point hole and overcame the Growling Tigers' 52 free throw attempts to carve out a crucial 89-88 victory in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball clash.
In the game, the fifth-year guard took over in the final minutes, scoring all eight of UP’s final points, including the go-ahead jumper that put the Maroons on the driver's seat for good and set the final score.
After the game, Alarcon said that the experience of playing five years of collegiate ball honed him for the chance to carry his team to the victory.
“Actually, parang sa five years ko sa college, parang experience na din sya sa akin. All throughout my career, madami din ako na-experience sa UAAP. Kumbaga yung composure ko nananatili dun sa mga clutch moments na ganoon na sinasabi natin,” he told reporters.
“Parang ano lang sya, parang if you experience it, kasi mafe-feel mo eh. Mafe-feel mo talaga yung hindi ka na kinakabahan, hindi ka na parang nagmamadali. Parang nasa present moment ka lang nakikita mo lahat slow mo lang,” he added.
Alarcon finished with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting. He also hauled down five rebounds, dishes out four assists and stole the ball thrice.
He scored 16 of his points in the second half, including 10 in the final frame.
“Sa team naman namin, kung sino yung mainit doon naman ibibigay. Basa-basa na lang din. Parang heat of the moment, doon ka na lang magbabasa kung kanino ibibigay yung bola,” Alarcon added.
For his part, UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said that having such a player is a “very big relief” for the team.
“Seeing yung team being able to respond sa ganoon, kung si Harold man yan o ibang teammate niya makagawa noon, for a coach siyempre masaya akong makita yun,” Monteverde said.
“May challenge sa harapan mo, paano mo siya overcome, and siyempre nandoon yung pressure, and being able to decide sa gano'ng mga situations.”
UST had the chance to go for the win, but missed deuces by Amiel Acido and a turnover by Akowe gave UP the victory.
The Maroons rose to solo second with a 7-3 win-loss record, while the Tigers dropped to 5-5 with their fourth consecutive defeat.
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