De La Salle University’s Vhoris Marasigan against University of the Philippines‘ Harold Alarcon in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA — Vhoris Marasigan was inches away from potentially drilling a title-clinching triple for De La Salle University, until the ball decided otherwise.
The Green Archers eventually fell, 66-63, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals as Marasigan’s attempt rimmed out with five seconds left, allowing the University of the Philippines to tie the series.
READ: Abadiano takes over as UP outlasts La Salle to force do-or-die Game 3
Still, Marasigan had no regrets about taking the last shot.
“Maganda naman yung tira, hindi lang talaga pumasok,” he said after finishing with eight points, six rebounds, and two assists on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-2 wingman also revealed that La Salle head coach Topex Robinson had him as one of the options in their designed play, though Marasigan said he would have preferred to get the ball to Jacob Cortez if not for Jacob Bayla’s defense.
READ: Cortez unfazed by Bayla, UP’s defensive intensity— ‘I love the competitiveness’
“Gusto ko talaga i-balik kay Jacob, kasi si Jacob ang gusto kong tumira ng last shot,” Marasigan said. “Eh dini-deny nga siya ni Bayla, kaya ako na lang tumira.”
De La Salle University against University of the Philippines in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.
Robinson, for his part, had no issues with how the play unfolded.
“We have rule number one, and that’s use your best judgment,” he said. “That shot could have brought the house down. But as long as those were shots Vhoris had been practicing, we’re okay with that.”
Despite the missed shot and the loss, Marasigan kept his head held high, saying all hope is not lost.
“Hindi pa tapos yung laban. May Game 3 pa, at may chance pa kami,” he insisted.
The La Salle–UP III clincher is set for Wednesday, December 17, at 3:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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