The La Salle Green Archers are in the midst of a slow start to their title defense, bowing to the FEU Tamaraws, 90‑78, on Wednesday, September 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for their second straight loss. In that loss, Luis Pablo was one of the Taft‑based squad’s few bright spots, pacing La Salle with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and a block. Following the game, he downplayed his performance as the Archers dropped to 1‑2 in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“It still wasn’t enough to give us a win. We’re still together as a team, and we’re still excited for the upcoming games,” Pablo told Rebanse. “After the game, Coach T [Topex Robinson] kept it simple, this is part of the challenges that we have to go through. There’s no such thing as a perfect game and a perfect team.”
With only three days of rest before their next match, the former NCAA Jrs. MVP has all eyes set on the bottom‑dwelling UE Red Warriors, who are looking to break a 24‑game losing streak.
“Our main focus is a quick turnaround, we have a game on Saturday, and our goal now is to win that one,” Pablo said.
Luis Pablo Grateful for Asiad Experience
Despite missing out on the podium, Luis Pablo remains grateful for his stint with the Gilas 3×3 men’s basketball team and will look to take the learning experiences back home to bolster La Salle’s championship aspirations.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity, because it only happens every four years. There’s a lot of players in the Philippines who want to represent the country,” Pablo said. “It was a one‑of‑a‑kind experience playing with international players, it’s a different type of challenge.”
With multiple stars such as Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Earl Abadam playing their final years of eligibility with the team, Pablo vows to maintain the high‑octane style of play of international squads to help the Green Archers return to their winning ways.
“I’m bringing that energy to the UAAP, and do everything just to help the team,” the 6-foot-7 big man added.
Pablo and the rest of the Green ARhcers will take on the Red Warriors on Sunday, October 4, at the PhilSports Arena.
