UAAP: Joseph Obasa repays Ateneo’s trust with big game vs UP

Ateneo center Joseph Obasa dunks against UP in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Joseph Obasa repaid Ateneo’s trust by delivering a stellar performance against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

Obasa made the big shots and crucial stops to help the Blue Eagles hand the Fighting Maroons their first defeat, 99-89.

“I just try and stay on the floor more, definitely, and I just to appreciate the faith the coaching staff has in me, keep my mind right, and help the team in the simple things,” said Obasa, who had already done enough for Ateneo before he fouled out in OT.

Obasa came up big on both ends of the floor, posting 13 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, including a denial on a potential game-winning layup by JD Cagulangan late in regulation.

The Nigerian center also connived with Mason Amos in extra time, making a crucial dunk that put Ateneo ahead, 92-85, with only 1:27 remaining.

Joseph Obasa.–UAAP PHOTO

“We didn’t think it’s gonna be easy, we were sure that they were gonna make a comeback and they were gonna fight,” he said. “We were prepared for that. We knew it was gonna be a battle of wills and we just stuck to the game plan and we just trusted each other.”

Obasa rose to the occasion in the rematch of last year’s finals but he won’t take away any credit from his teammates.

“This was a big team win. From the starters to all the players that came in, we just stuck to the game plan,” the Ateneo center said.

After Ateneo wrapped up the first round in third place with a 4-3 record, Obasa vows to take all their learnings heading into the second round beginning Wednesday.

“You can’t take games for granted. You have to fight through to the end. It’s gonna take everyone,” he said.