Without a doubt, the UP Fighting Maroons can count on Veejay Pre on both ends of the floor after their win over the UST Growling Tigers in a double-overtime battle in the second round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Pre led UP with 30 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and four steals to steer a thrilling 103-101 victory against UST on Wednesday, October 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
For the 6-foot-5 power forward, his dominant performance was all thanks to the team’s trust and composure.
“Salamat sa mga coaches sa tiwala nila sa akin. Sinusuklian ko lang ‘yon. Masaya ako na ‘yung pagiging composed namin ay nakita sa game na ito,” Pre said.
For the last four games, Pre has averaged a double-double with 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, coupled with 3.25 assists for the Fighting Maroons.
Pre has heaped praise from UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde for learning how to adjust to the team’s system in the preseason games and for putting the most effort on and off the court.
“Right now, he has adapted to the system namin [at] mas malaking bagay syempre ‘yung mga preseason games namin. We know that Veejay [Pre] is the hardest worker sa team namin,” Monteverde said.
Despite being showered with compliments, Pre remains laser-focused on following the game plan and consistently refining his game for the Fighting Maroons in their upcoming matchups.
UP aims to extend its winning streak to five as it faces the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, October 25, 5:00 p.m., at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.
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