UAAP: ‘No excuses,’ says Zamar after UE bows out from final four contention

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East head coach Boycie Zamar admitted that the loss of his key players due to suspensions dealt a big blow to his team’s Final Four chances.

But Zamar insisted that it’s no excuse for the Red Warriors to miss the semifinals for the fourth straight time.

“Ako naman yung coach na hindi gumagawa ng excuses,” Zamar said after his squad bowed out of Final Four contention following a heartbreaking 72-77 loss to defending champion Ateneo Sunday.

“Yung NU wala si Charles (Mammie), first round sa UST wala rin si Charles. Nung kailangan namin si Olivares wala siya. I’m not giving these excuses but nag-suffer yung team, nag-suffer lahat,” Zamar added.

Things could have turned out differently for UE had Charles Mammie, a dominating presence inside, and Ralf Olivares, a spark at the offensive end, as well as Lord Casajeros, a key defensive player, played in the games they served their suspensions.

“Let’s face it, Charles Mammie is Charles Mammie. He has his ego but he has his rebounds.”

With still two games left, Zamar said he wants his team to finish the season on a winning note.

“We have to finish the game with our heads up high. Hindi naman puwedeng kapag natalo ka na ng ilang beses, aayaw ka na. Hindi pwedeng ganun. This is a character forming team, this is the UAAP, this is the essence of the UAAP, ito ang kagandahan dito.”

“Sabi ko sa mga players you always have to fight. Hindi pwedeng makikita ko kayo going out, lumalabas sa dugout dyan na nakayuko. Kung talagang bibigay mo ang iyong best hindi ka dapat nakayuko.”

UE ends its season against host Adamson and University of the Philippines.