UP's Harold Alarcon during their game against UST in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, November 5, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA – UP Fighting Maroons veteran Harold Alarcon is not afraid to take the big shots for the Diliman-based squad when they need it the most.
Alarcon took over for UP in their 89-88 win over UST on Wednesday, pouring in 10 of his 22 points in the final frame, including the go-ahead jumper with 24 seconds left on the clock.
The result gave the defending champions sole possession of second place in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, while adding to the Growling Tigers' woes.
READ: Alarcon takes over as UP outlasts UST for solo second
For Alarcon, a two-time UAAP champion, his experience plays a big role in staying composed in the big moments.
"Actually, parang sa five years ko sa college, parang experience na din siya sa akin. Parang all throughout my career, madami din ako na experience sa UAAP. Kumbaga, yung composure ko nanatili dun eh sa mga clutch moments na ganun na sinasabi natin," Alarcon said during the post-game press conference.
"Parang ano na siya, 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 parang ganun," he added.
Alarcon said head coach Goldwin Monteverde also helped the team stay composed down the stretch.
"Siguro kinausap lang din kami ng maayos ni Coach Gold nung sa dugout. At yun nga, parang madami kaming off nung first half. Kaya sabi nga ni Coach Gold, nag-adjust kami papasok sa second half," he said.
"Yung sa fourth quarter naman, whatever na hinarap sa akin ng defense, parang kukunin ko lang. Kumbaga kung anong nasa harap ko, kukunin ko lang eh" Alarcon added.
Monteverde said having a veteran player like Alarcon is a big help to the team.
"Siyempre ano, if you have a player na ganun sa inyo, malaking relief sa'yo, even sa team. Seeing yung team being able to respond sa ganun, kung si Harold man yun or ibang team niyang makakagawa nun, for a coach masaya ako," he said.
While he has become a go-to player for UP following the departure of JD Cagulangan, Alarcon said he isn't the only cager who can come up clutch for the Fighting Maroons.
"Sa team naman namin, kung sino yung mainit, doon naman ibibigay. Kumbaga, basa-basa na lang din. Feel, parang heat of the moment, doon ka na lang magbabasa kung ano yung bibigay," he said.
Alarcon and the Fighting Maroons look to continue their winning ways against the UE Red Warriors on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.