BY John Miles Arcenal
THROUGH four games in UAAP Season 88, Tope Lagat had the best seat in the house for University of the East's new era under coach Chris Gavina.
Or actually, it may have very well been the worst, as the 19-year-old rookie guard was helpless on the bench in watching the Red Warriors succumb to four losses in as many games.
And so, come game No. 5, with the red-and-white yet again staring down at defeat, all Lagat was asking for was one shot.
Gavina finally gave it to him in the third quarter against Adamson on Saturday - and he took it. And made it, again and again.
The first-year gunslinger fired all of his career-best eight points in UE's 33-point quarter that eradicated what was once a 23-point lead for the Soaring Falcons.
"We really want to win our first game, so yung willingness lang to win kaya ginawa ko yung best ko," he told SPIN.ph of his pleasant surprise of a showing after averaging 3.75 points in eight minutes prior to this game.
Unfortunately, the Red Warriors ran out of gas in the endgame and remained winless with one assignment left in the first round.
READ: Adamson braves through UE scare to barge back into win column
Nonetheless, in Lagat, Recto now has another warrior to look forward to seeing do battle for them.
“I just work, nag-e-extra work lang din every practice ta’s yung film, very important yung ginawa namin to review our mistakes and itama lang namin from the last games,” said the 5-foot-11 native of Pangasinan.
Si Lagat, gagawin ang lahat
Despite his rookie tag, Lagat just showed poise and maturity well beyond his age - and he seems primed for more minutes for a UE side which, truth be told, has got nothing to lose.
“Being a rookie, sobrang grateful ako na binibigyan ako nang ganitong opportunities ni coach Chris,” he said.
“Hindi ko ita-take for granted yung binigay sa’king opportunity kaya gagawin ko lang yung best ko every time na papasok ako sa court.”
While Lady Luck is yet to smile on the Red Warriors, Lagat - a product of UE's juniors team - remains upbeat he and his teammates will change the narrative sooner than later.
“This game, big confidence booster sa’kin ‘to,” he stressed.
“Pero hindi pa rin ako titigil to work on my game. Hindi pwedeng isang game lang ako maglaro. Kailangan ko maging consistent, hindi lang para sa’kin, for the team din.”
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