UAAP: Terrence Fortea makes timely return for shorthanded UP

MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Fortea picked the perfect time to return from a right knee injury as he helped University of the Philippines get back at defending champion Ateneo in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday before a crowd of 17,406 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After missing the Fighting Maroons’ first eight games, Fortea finally made his much-anticipated return and had an immediate impact with seven points in just 10 minutes of action.

Fortea, who last played in last year’s finals loss to Ateneo, hardly showed any signs of jitters and rust.

“Tagal ko na naglalaro eh, parang di ko na rin siya iisipan na kinakabahan pa ba ko, andito na ko. Mindset ko lang naman is makatulong sa team para makuha yung panalo,” said Fortea after UP’s 65-60 victory.

The third-year guard said his eagerness after a long absence coupled with the losses to Ateneo fueled his play.

“Yung bugso lang ng damdamin, parang hindi ko na siya iniinda eh dahil yun nga, natalo kami sa Ateneo, and yung last game ko pa, is Ateneo, talo rin kami noon sa finals,” Fortea said.

Fortea went on a personal 5-0 spurt late in the third quarter to help UP build a 12-point lead before Ateneo leaned on Kai Ballungay and Jared Brown to tie the game at 54-all midway through the payoff period.

Thanks to the clutch jumpers of Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Francis Lopez, the Fighting Maroons survived the Blue Eagles to keep the solo lead with an 8-1 record.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde lauded Fortea and his other players for stepping up after missing CJ Cansino due to flu and JD Cagulangan, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

“As a coach, I am happy not only because of the win but I felt that they overcame whatever challenges were given to our team. I’m very proud of them,” Monteverde said in Filipino.