Malick Diouf. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Malick Diouf is determined to return to the University of the Philippines after failing to defend his throne and prevent Ateneo from returning to the top in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
The MVP of the reigning season was limited to just seven points but had 19 rebounds and four saves as UP fell to Ateneo in Game 3 win-lose 75-68 and missed out on the title. Monday after a year on Monday in front of 21,814 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Diouf couldn’t hide his disappointment after the Blue Eagles returned in the series that began when he fouled in Game 2 for Ateneo to equalize for the championship round.
“Honestly, I feel sad,” said Diouf, who was the MVP of the Season 84 Finals when UP ended a 36-year title drought following JD Cagulangan’s epic three-fight win in May. last.
Senegal’s heartland has been devastated but he’s still proud of the Fighting Maroons, who stopped a slow first half but still fell in the short space of time.
“I feel really sad, but that’s life. We played and fought until the last minute, but God had other plans so we just had to live like that and come back,” he said.
Diouf ended his conversation with reporters with a smile, expressing his eagerness to atone for himself and the Fighting Maroons next year.
“We must take revenge,” said Diouf. “We still have a lot of rookies. I think we can expect a lot from Season 86.”
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