FINALLY getting a chance to play big minutes on the floor, University of the Javi Gomez de Liaño definitely made the most out of his time on the hardcourt.
Unfortunately for him and the Maroons, it didn’t translate into a win as they got smothered by the FEU Tamaraws, 89-73, on Sunday to drop their second straight game in the UAAP Season 81.
De Liaño was one of the few bright spots for the Fighting Maroons as he finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and a block in 24 minutes of action.
But despite his best game of the season, De Liaño was far from happy.
“I wouldn’t say I played well because I made some turnovers and missing those near shots na dapat, sure na,” said De Liaño.
“They just wanted me to play defense on the court. That was the key for me playing long on the court. I was making my shots din,” added the older brother of teammate Juan.
The elder De Liaño said that playing without suspended head coach Bo Perasol was certainly factor, but he insists that the loss was certainly on them, the players.
“It was a big factor at first. For me, honestly, I think we prepared well naman. Coach Rick (Dandan) had a good gameplan, but unfortunately, we just didn’t play our best game,” he said.
“I think it was just miscommunication. We were staying in front of them, pero sa bandang end, they still score. I think we have to communicate better,” he added.
Despite going down 1-2, De Liaño is still confident that they can bounce back so long as they exert more effort the next time out.
And whether he plays big minutes or not, he vows to be at his best.
“We’ve been in this situation. It’s nothing new, really. Hopefully, we know what we’re going to do next especially next game, Adamson, we have to double our effort,” he said .
“As a player, I make sure I don’t really lose my confidence. Either I play or not, I just make sure when coach needs someone off the bench to help out, I’ll just be ready.”
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