UAAP: CJ Cansino admits emotions got better of him in UP loss to Ateneo

UP’s CJ Cansino sticks his tongue out during a game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines guard CJ Cansino brought out his A game and on-court antics in the finals rematch against Ateneo on Sunday in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.

However, Cansino’s 22-point effort wasn’t enough to complete a first-round sweep for UP as it fell to the defending champions in overtime, 99-89, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“There was a bit of emotion [since this is my first Ateneo-UP game since my injury]. But I’m sad because we didn’t learn from the past game that we won,” said Cansino in Filipino after the Fighting Maroons absorbed their first loss of the season.

“What we lacked in the past few games became our problem. Hinihintay naming may sumapak sa amin bago kami sumapak. Hindi namin nakuha ang panalo ngayon,” he added.

The graduating team captain also tried to silence the Ateneo crowd with his antics amid UP’s fourth-quarter rally but the Blue Eagles had the last laugh with big man Mason Amos hitting big shots in OT.

CJ Cansino.–UAAP PHOTO

“I got carried away with my emotions because it feels great to play in front of a lot of people,” said Cansino, who played before 12,000 spectators.

After the tough loss that ended their unbeaten run, Cansino hopes the Fighting Maroons will learn from this setback as they enter the second round starting on Wednesday.

There is a possibility that UP gets its rematch against Ateneo on Wednesday right away based on the standings where the Fighting Maroons remain on top with a 6-1 record while the Blue Eagles rose to third at 4-3.

Cansino vows to control his emotions and show his maturity as the leader of the Fighting Maroons.

“We will watch the game, first. Let’s see how we will prepare for the next game. I will tone down my emotions and just play our game,” he said.