UP learning to play together, improvement on defense crucial – Dario

MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons came closest to winning a game in UAAP Season 79 during their match with the UST Growling Tigers this past weekend, which they lost 83-77. 

Despite trailing by 11 in the final quarter, the team didn’t fold and even rallied to tie the contest at one point, but couldn’t come up with the stops late to secure the victory.

According to third-year standout Diego Dario, who had 14 points in the game, the now 0-3 Maroons have been improving and are getting more used to playing with each other on the court.

“For me, we’ve been getting better, improving as a team. We’re learning how to play together more, but the effort was there. The first 3 games, the effort was there, so we just have to go on to the next game,” he told Rappler.

UP was led by the 19 points of captain Jett Manuel while prized rookie Javi Gomez De Liano finished with 12 points. The Maroons, however, allowed 5 players from the Growling Tigers to score in double-figures, led by the 18 points of Louie Vigil, who also had 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Dario wants to see the ball move even more on offense for his team, but notes that the real problem lies on the defensive side of the floor.

“Ball movement is always good. It’s never a bad thing, I think, for a team, but we have to look for the best options for us,” he said.

“[But] I think it’s on the defensive side. We’re getting our shots, but we have to make stops at the other end, so I think we have to work on that – more communication on defense.”

Despite another slow start in a season, UP remains optimistic. The Maroons will have another shot at getting a first win Wednesday, September 21, against the also winless UE Red Warriors.

“It was positive, of course,” Dario said about the mood in the locker room after the UST game.

“Coach Bo is really positive with our mindsets, with his outlook sa team, but there were some lapses on the end game. We have to learn from that. On me also. I missed crucial shots, I missed two free throws, so there’s no secret to it. I just have to work hard.” – Rappler.com