Miracle Maroons still searching for consistency

B.B., October 11, 2022

MIRACARL. Rookie of the Year Carl Tamayo comes up clutch anew to deliver the UP Fighting Maroons in yet another nerve-wracking game-ender. (PHOTO COURTESY OF UAAP Season 85 Media Team)

Playing with consistency remains an ongoing objective for the UP Fighting Maroons coaches after three straight clutch finishes, the latest being a 73-67 hectic ending over the winless FEU Tamaraws.

Unlike their script against Adamson where they were off to a cold start, the Maroons this time took control early but had to survive a seesaw affair to pull out yet another nail-biter win.

"We got what we wanted compared to the last two games, starting strong. We were able to build our biggest lead yet, [which] I believe was 14. But we were not able to sustain it," recounted UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, filling in for Goldwin Monteverde in the post-game press conference.

“We’re looking to be consistent for four quarters, in terms of our intensity, especially on the defensive.”

Despite the Maroons' vulnerable stretches defensively, their good offensive production coupled with FEU’s anemic shooting closed the window for the Tamaraws to strike their first win buoyed by their massive 32-point second quarter.

Asked about the reason behind the glaring inconsistencies on offense and defense, the Maroons coach reminded the public of the team’s collective age.

“I think sometimes people forget the youth of this team. Of course, the two-year hiatus of the pandemic, and at the same time last season, we were one of the youngest, if not the youngest team,” he said.

“Our key losses [coming into the new season] such as Ricci Rivero, CJ Cansino, and the leadership brought by Noah Webb. The big thing is the maturity those three brought.”

Amid their shaky outings, one steady attribute of the reigning champions is their big man Carl Tamayo, who delivered anew at crunch time with 8 out of his average 16 points unloaded in the payoff period.

Tamayo doubled down on the team's need to find their groove but remains optimistic about their performance, remarking that “we accept the pressure, we face it, and we even got the win.”

“I think as the season goes the team will still improve, and hopefully if we get to the Final Four, the team will already be solid in terms of consistency,” added the 6-foot-7 forward.

While the season is long, the Maroons are focused on the big picture as they try to build consistency and secure their leadership in the league standings.

###