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MANILA, Philippines – Alex Cabagnot knows how to recognize Clutch when he sees her, and he sees her at Paul Desiderio's.
The San Miguel goalkeeper has been a member of the coaching staff of the University of the Philippines (UP) for two seasons. He held a top spot on Wednesday when the Fighting Maroons ended a 32-year drought and moved on to UAAP. Season 81 finals.
It was an exceptionally contested game, which saw the UP spoil a 16-point lead in the third quarter before winning a thrilling 89-87 victory in overtime.
"For the UP community that has been supporting UP for more time than me, I'm pretty sure it's on the new cloud," Cabagnot said. "It's unbelievable for me, but for them it has been multiplied by a greater magnitude."
The hero for UP Wednesday was the veteran Desiderio guard, that of Atin & # 39; to, papasok & # 39; to "fame." Already legendary in the school for his exploits over the past two seasons, Desiderio has consolidated his legacy by forcing the winning rider into the match with 6.6 seconds to go.
Cabagnot, himself known as a great actor in the clutch, was impressed by Desiderio's efforts.
"Atin & # 39; to! What can I say," said Cabagnot, who received the nickname "Crunchman" for his penchant for hitting crucial buckets for the Beermen.
"He's a very sweet and cheerful guy, but when the moment is critical, he says it's the only thing I can ask for," he added.
Cabagnot said he did not even need to give instructions to Desiderio before the end. "He knows it," he added.
"In his mind, he's trying to bring the entire UP community on his shoulders, and I think he's done a great job today," he also said.
Desiderio was certainly proud of Cabagnot with his last bucket – a solid jumper overcoming the outstretched arms of Adamson University striker, Sean Manganti.
"The room before that, I wanted him to turn, and he looked at me.I do not have much to say to him.We looked at each other and he knew that I wanted him to He takes it, I'm happy to have done it, "Cabagnot said.
Desiderio finished the game with 16 points, scoring his last two goals after making two of his 18 attempts before the last minute of overtime.
This is not just Desiderio which Cabagnot is proud of. The SMB guards greeted the entire back yard, including Juan Gomez de Liano, Janjan Jaboneta and Jun Manzo, all of whom had time to shine against Adamson. Gomez de Liano, in particular, got 30 points, a career high.
"They work hard – their work ethic is well beyond their years – usually, players feel that they have to work hard later," Cabagnot said.
"These children know that the time has come, they are trying to improve, we are just guiding them, they are doing all the work," he added.
"All of these guys go to the gym and get into the adventure, it's such a fun environment and I'm happy to be part of it."
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