‘We just have to remind ourselves that we started the season 0-2. I believe our team knows how to bounce back,’ says UP coach Goldwin Monteverde as the Maroons ‘We just have to remind ourselves that we started the season 0-2. I believe our team knows how to bounce back,’ says UP coach Goldwin Monteverde as the Maroons

It can’t all be Harold: UP coach calls for more contributions in Game 2

2025/12/12 10:30

MANILA, Philippines – UP rode Harold Alarcon’s heroics in Game 1. They are not betting the season on that again in Game 2. 

After their 74-70 loss to La Salle, UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde challenged his crew to step up and spread the scoring in the do-or-die Game 2 for the Fighting Maroons. 

“Whatever Harold did for us for this game, we need that. It’s just that as a team, they need to contribute. It’s not just him,” Monteverde said in Filipino, following Alarcon’s 34-point explosion that went for naught in Game 1. 

“I think the 34 points, of course, the team needs it. But it’s not just Harold who would win these finals for us. It should take a team to be able to overcome whatever we’re facing in terms of offense,” he added. 

Alarcon went 12-of-22 from the field and 10-of-17 inside the arc, while the rest of the defending champions combined for just 16-of-41 in the Game 1 loss.

He also dropped 20 in the first half, added 6 in the third, and tacked on 8 more in the fourth. The rest of the UP squad mustered only 4 points in the final frame as La Salle ran away with a 21 -12 closing burst.

Aside from Alarcon, only Francis Nnoruka cracked double digits for UP, delivering 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbing 6 boards.

Having been outplayed by La Salle down the stretch, Monteverde said his players need to prove they want it more every time they step on the floor.

“For me, every finals game, we should want it more, especially on the defensive end. We need to be stronger,” Monteverde said. “We need to toughen up even on offensive rebounding and stuff. I believe that there were certain parts of the game that we played well, but then we just need to be consistent about what we’re doing on both ends.”

This is UP’s fifth straight UAAP finals appearance under Monteverde, who took over the head coaching post in Season 84, the season they broke their 36-year title drought. 

Season 88’s finals also marked the third consecutive year La Salle and UP faced off in the men’s basketball finals. 

Still having some of the players from his first season as UP coach — including Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, and Gerry Abadiano —  Monteverde kept his full trust in the Fighting Maroons’ chances to go back-to-back this year. 

“So far, I’m confident. I really trust the team that they will bounce back from this. Learn from this, definitely. We’re still positive,” he said. 

UP won Game 1 of the past two season finales against La Salle. In Season 86, the Fighting Maroons succumbed to the then-Kevin Quiambao-led Green Archers before completing their redemption bid in Season 87. 

Earlier this season, the Fighting Maroons also started on the wrong foot, going 0-2 to start the tournament before rising to the second seed after the elimination round. 

Banking on UP’s resilience, Monteverde vowed to roll out key adjustments for Sunday’s Game 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s important for us in every game that everyone is going to the game ready. Whatever we face, we’ll fight for it. So, adjustment will come in the second game,” he said.

“This is not the first time we lost…We just have to remind ourselves that we started the season 0-2. I believe our team knows how to bounce back. We just lost a battle, but the war is not over yet. We still have two games left.” – Rappler.com

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This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
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Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25