Diliman rally

We’re blessed to have a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four, but we still need to improve as we go deeper into the playoffs.

JUAN Gomez de Liaño swells with pride after UP clinches a twice-to-beat edge in the UAAP Final Four. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

University of the Philippines’ (UP) thrilling win over De La Salle University in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament late Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City did not only book it a ticket to the Final Four.

The Fighting Maroons also made history by advancing to the semifinals with a twice-to-beat advantage for the first time since the Final Four format was first implemented in 1993.

UP head coach Bo Perasol admitted that they are overwhelmed by the achievement, but quickly stressed that the job is far from over.

UP is one of the founding members of the league.

But being one of the pioneers didn’t help its men’s basketball squad as the only time they won the title was twice: First in 1939 with University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) as co-champions and the other as in 1986.

Since then, UP suffered numerous heartaches highlighted by a 21-year absence in the Final Four topped with a pair of 0-14 finishes.

UP nearly pulled off the impossible when it erased the twice-to-beat advantage of Adamson University to book a dream duel with Ateneo de Manila University. The Fighting Maroons lost, but they gave thousands of UP students from around the country a good reason to throw their all-out support.

Two of the best young players in the country today in Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras suited up to join the already solid core of Bright Akhuetie, Jun Manzo and Juan Gomez de Liaño, pushing them to a 9-4 win-loss record for a historic twice-to-beat edge.

Still, Perasol wants his wards to focus on the task at hand.

“We’re blessed to have a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four, but we still need to improve as we go deeper into the playoffs,” said Perasol, who was serving as the Maroons’ chief playmaker when the Final Four format was implemented 26 years ago, following their 71-68 win over the Green Archers.

“We may be No. 2 right now, but we would be graded come playoff time. That is the time they’re going to judge our performance.”

“As I was saying, as we get deep into the playoffs, we need to know how to discipline ourselves, we need how to win games.”

UP would wrap up its elimination round campaign against Ateneo on Wednesday.

A win by the Fighting Maroons would be a sweet revenge as it will spoil the Blue Eagles’ bid of advancing to the best-of-three finals without going through the Final Four.

It means that UST and FEU will slug it out in the first round of the stepladder semifinals with the survivor facing UP for a chance to battle Ateneo in the finals.

Perasol admitted that the idea of beating a powerhouse team like the Blue Eagles thrills them, but pulling off a shocker is the last thing on their minds.

“We’re actually not thinking of spoiling any sweep,” said the 47-year-old tactician, who had a three-year stint with the Blue Eagles.

“Our priority right now is to improve our game. We have to find a way to address our tendency of relaxing and giving up the lead.”

Things got ugly the Fighting Maroons faced the Blue Eagles as Perasol had a massive meltdown in the third period, resulting to an 88-79 win by the Blue Eagles.

UAAP commissioner Jensen Ilagan initially slapped Perasol with a five-game suspension before reducing it into two after the noted mentor issued a public apology.

Now, he claims that the Fighting Maroons are ready to collide with their Finals tormentors — physically, mentally and emotionally.

“For me, I choose to think what I want to think over,” said Perasol, anticipating an all-out war.

“But whether we win or lose doesn’t matter. The most important thing is for us to show that we’re ready for the tough battle in the Final Four.”