MALICK Diouf brushed off the notion that his MVP coronation provd a distraction in Game Two of the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball finals.
"No. I always believe I'm the same Malick," he said after being held to just two points while grabbing 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in University of the Philippines' 65-55 defeat to Ateneo in Game Two on Wednesday.
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What Diouf believed got him off his rhythm, though, were the two fouls he picked up in the second quarter.
"It really affected me, the way I was playing," said the newly crowned season MVP. "I was so thinking we're out of control but it happens."
The foul situation kept him on the bench for long stretches as the Fighting Maroons desperately tried to overcome the more physical Blue Eagle side.
Carl Tamayo tried to will UP back, getting the team within nine, 63-54, in the final 4:46. But the Iskos just couldn't get any closer as the Blue Eagles finished stronger.
Despite the defeat, Diouf remained defiant and believes that the championship is still very much within reach, so long as the Maroons keep their composure and play as a team in the deciding Game Three.
"We just have to make sure we're composed," said the Senegalese big man. "I'm pretty sure we're still gonna win the championship if we play the right way. If we play the right way, we're going to win. We just have to play together."
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