KIRBY Mongcopa felt like Far Eastern University’s first round finale was a blur, yet everything seemed to move in slow motion for him, as the MVP candidate endured his worst outing of UAAP Season 89 in a 65-69 loss to National U.
Held to just nine points and six rebounds, Mongcopa struggled to make his presence felt against a Bulldogs defense hell-bent on slowing him - if not stopping him altogether.
READ: NU gets second wind in time to deliver KO blow in slugfest vs FEU
For reference, prior to the matchup against NU, the 6-foot-4 wing was averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
And Mongcopa knows full well the challenge will only get tougher from here, with opposing teams about to pay even closer attention to him after his stellar start to the season.
“Sa sarili ko naman, mag-a-adjust lang ako dapat depende sa depensa,” he told SPIN.ph.
“Kanina, parang ang bagal ng laro namin. Panoorin ko ulit yung game para makita kung saan ako nagkamali at kung ano pa yung kailangan naming ayusin. Move on, trabaho ulit.”
Re-charge, FEU
Nonetheless, the 21 year old said the Tamarws have plenty to be proud of in the opening round, even as they still need to learn about sustaining their level of play, particularly during the closing stages of games.
“Ang nagustuhan ko sa first round ay yung mga panalong nakuha namin at yung magandang laro na ipinakita ng team. Kaso parang nabitawan lang namin pagdating sa dulo, kaya kailangan naming mag-adjust ulit,” he said.
With another round ahead, Mongcopa remains focused on helping FEU recover and live up to the expectations that have emerged due to its promising start.
“Sa second round, maglalaro lang ako para sa team, para sa FEU community, at para sa mga taong sumusuporta sa amin,” he said.
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