La Salle runs at own pace

De La Salle University keeps its blazing streak going which puts it on the right course for a twice-to-beat advantage in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament Final Four.

Seated at solo third spot within striking distance of co-leaders University of the Philippines and National University, the Green Archers sporting a 9-3 win-loss record are very much in the race for the semis advantage with just two assignments left in their elimination round campaign.

But head coach Topex Robinson doesn't want his team to think too much of the prospect of landing in the Top 2 of the Final Four cast.

"For us, we're not targeting whichever team we could tie for the position (in the Top 2)," the first-year mentor said after La Salle beat University of the East, 86-76, for their sixth straight win last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"In a way, we just want to keep on growing. Since Day 1 we talked about just running at our own pace. What is important for us is to build something. We want to build a culture where winning will be the byproduct of what we are doing."

The Fighting Maroons and the Bulldogs share the top spot with similar 10-2 slates.

La Salle has full control of its destiny in the semis as wins over also-ran Far Eastern University on Wednesday and archrival defending champion Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday will hand it either an outright semis bonus or an assurance of a playoff for the incentive.

With Most Valuable Player frontrunner Kevin Quiambao, who registered his historic second triple-double of the season against the Red Warriors, at the helm, the Green Archers are fancied to emerge victorious in their last two outings.

Helping Quiambao out in achieving La Salle's goal are Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, Raven Cortez and Jonnel Policarpio along with a healthier Mike Phillips.

Still, Robinson reminds his wards not to get ahead of themselves and stay focused on the task at hand.

"No matter where we're gonna end up after the eliminations, we're gonna be okay. As long as we keep on enjoying each other's company, we keep on enjoying the game and being with each other I think that's what is important," he said.

"So, if ever it (twice-to-beat) lands on our laps we'll be okay. If we ever end up No. 3 (seed) we're also gonna be okay."

La Salle is making a return to the Final Four after missing the cut last year following a disappointing loss to Adamson University in the playoff for No. 4. The Green Archers last reigned supreme back in 2016.

"Again, we just want to keep on growing and improving as the games go by. Part of it, we try to visualize that this is the playoffs, that this is the path we're gonna play. Whoever it is we're gonna play we'll just bring out the best in us."