De La Salle University head coach Topex Robinson wants the defending champion Green Archers to approach the deciding Game 3 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball finals with a clear headspace.

Robinson reminded his men to control their emotions, be focused on the big picture, and tune out from outside noises when they face University of the Philippines (UP) one final time for all the marbles on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The second-year tactician wants La Salle to play in the moment and give it their all so that they will have no regrets whatever the Game 3 result would be.

“We’re not going to let the worries of the future or the regret of the past stop us from enjoying it. And that’s how we’re going to approach Sunday. You know, we’re just going to enjoy it,” Robinson said.

“The crowd will be crazy, but that’s what we’re here for. You know, the reason why you play in the finals is for these kinds of moments. You know, you prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you. So we just keep on enjoying it,” he added.

The Green Archers displayed the true heart of a champion despite going down big early in the fourth quarter of Game 2 last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Back-to-back Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips willed the Taft-based squad back from a nine-point deficit with an epic performance in the last three minutes of the ballgame for a dramatic, 76-75, finish to force a rubber match.

La Salle, shooting for its 11th title overall, will battle UP in a series decider for the second straight season.

“I think the feeling is the same. It’s just a different scenario,” Robinson said.

The Green Archers mentor vows to take advantage of the opportunity given to them after pulling off the improbable in Game 2.

“As I said, just give us another experience. Something that we could learn from and experience as a young team, also with the rest of the guys. It was given to us,” he said.

“It’s now up to us how we will take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Green Archers aim to replicate their amazing come-from-behind series win feat last year.

But Robinson knows too well that they will have to put in all the effort to secure back-to-back titles.

And for sure, UP will not give them the reign extension on a silver platter.

“I’m sure this is gonna be all out. Whoever wants it more, will come out as champions,” he said.

“But we’re just happy that we’re given this excellent opportunity. For sure, we’re gonna work on everything. We’re gonna compete and then, given the chance, whatever happens, we’re just gonna keep on pushing.”