UAAP: UP’s streak-busting loss underscores need for consistency, says Monteverde

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines coach Goldwin Monteverde is putting premium on consistency after their eight-game win streak got snapped by Adamson in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament.

UP’s historic winning run came to an end at the expense of the surging Adamson, 66-58, on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Monteverde reiterated his concern of the team’s inconsistency, which has been their issue even when it won eight consecutive matches.

“We played a lot of games, where we started slow. But I guess what matters more is our inconsistencies,” the UP coach said. “Our main concern is being consistent on what we were doing.”

“Our team is working on it. With regards to the situation we need to really you know work on that,” he added.

The multi-titled high school coach also lamented on UP’s performance on both defensive and offensive ends after it only had a total of eight assists and scored its lowest output of the season, shooting 31-percent from the field, below their 42-percent field goal average and 17.3-assist average in their past nine games.

“We really need to improve on the defensive end and I think we just had like eight assists so we need to move the ball more,” he said.

UP’s Zavier Lucero. UAAP PHOTO

Zavier Lucero, who emerged as a top two MVP candidate after eight games, was a missing piece for UP in their second loss of the season as he was held to 2-of-9 shooting with seven points and seven rebounds and a minus eight. 

But Monteverde understood it was just an off game for his Filipino-American rising star, whom he is optimistic to bounce back next game.

“It happens sometimes. In our past two games Carl (Tamayo), Ricci (Rivero) and CJ (Cansino) were leading the team in terms of offense. The situation was just not on his side over the past two games but I’m sure knowing Zavier’s gonna bounce back,” he said.

Monteverde is confident that the Fighting Maroons will learn from this setback as they protect the No.2 seed against the third seed La Salle (7-3) on Saturday.

“Whether it’s a win or loss, what’s important are the lessons we can take home moving towards the bigger games,” he said.

“Of course, we have to be ready for La Salle. They’re going up in their past matches. We’re in a kind of season that there is no time to feel bad.”