UNIVERSITY of the East (UE) sophomore Topeng Lagat is embracing a bigger offensive responsibility as the Red Warriors continue their search for their first victory in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Lagat has emerged as one of UE’s leading local scorers through the team’s first two games, including an 11-point effort in Saturday’s 76-56 loss to National University (NU) Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The second-year guard said he is simply focused on fulfilling the role assigned to him by head coach Chris Gavina while making sure his scoring opportunities come within the flow of the offense.
“About sa scoring naman, siyempre I’ll find my way to help my team. Siyempre, ayun ang nabigay sa akin na responsibility ng coaches. Kailangan ko lang gawin ang role ko sa team,” Lagat said.
He also emphasized the importance of sharing the offensive load instead of trying to carry the team by himself.
“At siyempre, open up. Kailangan ko rin ma-distribute iyung points para mas mapadali sa akin ang basketball,” he added.
UE struggled in the first half against NU, falling behind 42-20, but the Red Warriors responded in the third quarter by outscoring the Bulldogs, 20-12.
Lagat said the improved ball movement during that stretch was one of the positives the team needs to carry into its next games.
“Ayun ang napag-usapan namin sa dugout. The third has been a great run nga. I think we scored 20 against NU. Iyung ball movement was maganda noong third. We were sharing the ball properly,” he said.
“Tapos, nara-run na namin nang maayos ang play. Kaya, I think iyun ang kailangan namin dalhin for the next upcoming games.”
After making an impact as a rookie last season, Lagat is now looking to build on that performance in his sophomore campaign while helping UE end its difficult start.
The Red Warriors have dropped their first two games and remain winless, but Lagat said the team is maintaining a positive outlook.
“Gagawin ko lang iyung best ko for the team, siyempre. We really wanna get the win, first win. Rough start, pero we gotta think positive lang para makuha ang win na iyun,” he said.
For Lagat, the focus remains on steady improvement as UE prepares for its next assignment.
“At siyempre, everyday is an opportunity to get better. Kaya, gagawin lang namin ang best namin for the win, for the next games,” he said.(Adrian Co)
