UAAP: Harold Alarcon gets confidence boost ahead of Final Four

Harold Alarcon scores career high to propel UP Fighting Maroons to a win over UE in their final UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball eliminatio round game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Harold Alarcon saved the best for last in the elimination round, tying the season-best 33 points in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. 

Alarcon erupted with 16 points in the fourth to finish with a career-high and end the elimination round with a 77-67 win over the University of the East on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The hot-shooting guard said he just made up for his bad showing when UP lost two of their last three assignments. He was 0-of-8 against La Salle, 77-66, and limited to just two points in their 67-47 loss to National University.

READ: UAAP: Harold Alarcon scores career high as UP beats UE

“For me, last three games, yung confidence ko, parang shaky. Siguro, sa game na ito, parang naipon na lang ang the past three games kaya big help na rin sa sarili ko and sa mentality. Big boost siya papunta sa Final Four,” Alarcon told reporters.

“Last three games ko parang hindi ako naka-score. Hinanap ko lang ang fire sa heart ko. Yun lang ang iniisip ko,” he added.

The fourth-year Fighting Maroon took advantage of UE’s defense en route to a 5-of-8 three-point shooting night and 70.6% on the field.

Only three players scored 30-plus points this season with Alarcon tying Kevin Quiambao’s tournament-high. Veejay Pre scored 31 points against UST in the second round.

Alarcon was relieved to get his groove back before the UAAP Final Four, where the twice-to-beat UP battles the University of Santo Tomas.

READ: UAAP: JD Cagulangan makes immediate impact in UP return

He is offering their remaining games to graduating player JD Cagulangan.

“Malaking bagay talaga siya, lalo na para kay [JD], inaalay namin ang season na ito para kay [JD]. Palaging nire-remind niya na last season niya, gusto niya pumasok sa Final Four na ang momentum ay ok Kaya, last games kailangan talagang manalo,” said the UP guard.

Alarcon is eager to bounce back from their heartbreaking runner-up finishes in the past two UAAP Finals, but he knows the team has to keep its emotions in check.

“Gigil. Kasi last two seasons talo kami. Yung composure namin, nandyan. Yung maturity, dala ni Maimai, ni Gerry, pati na ng veterans, napapasa sa players,” he said. “Mahirap rin pag sobrang gigil. Hindi ko na masyadong nakakapag-isip pa.”