Basas vows to match La Salle’s swagger in UAAP Finals

Letting her play do the talking, Toni Rose Basas, Far Eastern U’s calm outside hitter, rarely shows her emotions during games.

Basas, though, is ready to let out her inner feisty, and that’s to be expected especially with the Lady Tamaraws going up against the equally-fiery defending champion De La Salle in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball Finals.

If how a simple gesture from Desiree Cheng managed to rile up Basas during one of their elimination round meetings was any indication, there will be fireworks when they meet starting this Saturday for the best-of-three series.

“I have to be more smug because I know in myself that if I come out a with a little bit of swagger I can play better,” said Basas in Filipino after their Wednesday training.

Basas’ most most unforgettable show of  emotion, was during FEU’s second round matchup with La Salle when she performed a slow clap as if mocking the Lady Spikers.

“Cheng was the one who started it, so I had no choice but to respond,” said Basas who averaged 11.5 points during the two matches against the Lady Spikers. “Well they started it, so I had to answer it.”

“I become emotional when I’m in the game because I can’t just give in when they become cocky in front of me. If they do that, then I will also do that. Of course, I will only show my emotion if someone taunts me.”