It’s not the run Alvin Pasaol envisioned for University of the East in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.
The Red Warriors own a league-worst 1-7 record despite the herculean efforts of Pasaol, who has averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds so far.
Despite his impressive showing going down the drain with loss after loss, Pasaol is not giving up on his teammates.
“I always tell them that they should always play the way they play,” said Pasaol in Filipino after they absorbed a 79-59 loss to De La Salle Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
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“Whatever they do, I tell them that I’ll always have their back.”
Pasaol, who finished with 22 points and 17 rebounds, still saw some positives in their disappointing loss against the Green Archers.
The Red Warriors gave La Salle a scare early in the third when they went on a 10-2 run capped off by a bucket from Pasaol to get as close as three points, 49-46.
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La Salle, however, was quick to respond with a 17-3 run to return to stability and take a 66-49 lead heading into the fourth.
“We still gave a good fight,” said Pasaol who is the league’s top scorer. “We still fought.”
Pasaol said if the Warriors want to turn their season around, they have to start talking to each other and giving each other a voice.
“All of us are allowed to speak and all of us listen,” said Pasaol. “All of us are leaders in our own right and everyone can talk.”