University of the Philippines star Gerry Abadiano against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Gerry Abadiano spearheaded University of the Philippines’ fight to clinch the twice-to-beat advantage in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final 4, with the senior guard taking over in their 79-75 victory over Ateneo de Manila University.
The Fighting Maroons’ team captain posted 16 of his 18 points in the fourth period to help State U complete their 16-point comeback.
For Abadiano, it was just a matter of answering the call when he was needed the most.
READ: UP completes 16-pt fight back vs. Ateneo to clinch Final 4 incentive
“‘Di lang talaga ako tumigil kasi kailangan ako ng team,” said Abadiano as they notched their 10th win in 13 games on Wednesday after hitting crucial shots
“Naging patient lang talaga ako, pero hindi ko naman talaga hinahanap yun. Dumating lang siya nung fourth quarter,” he added.
Abadiano was the latest Fighting Maroon to show heroics in the end game, as the likes of Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Francis Nnoruka, and Noy Remogat also previously came up clutch for UP which is unbeaten in Round 2.
But he downplayed his takeover against Ateneo, saying that the key for the defending champions is staying unpredictable as they anticipate another deep playoff run.
“Nagkataon lang,” he emphasized. “Lagi rin kasi sinasabi ng mga coaches sa akin na maging ready lang,”
“‘Di naman araw-araw ganito yung mapapakita ko. So kung ano lang yung mai-ambag ko, yun lang talaga yung gagawin ko,” Abadiano added.
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