UAAP: Llemit says no room for blame, qualms despite spoiled career night

University of Santo Tomas’ Mark Llemit against University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Mark Llemit had his career night spoiled as University of Santo Tomas fell in a double-overtime thriller to University of the Philippines, but it was his leadership that shone brightest despite the loss.

“Walang finger-pointing sa locker room,” said Llemit, who fired 33 points, four rebounds, and two assists in their 103-101 loss to the Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday. “Nakakalungkot, pero bawi na lang.”

Despite doing all he could to lift the Growling Tigers, Llemit saw Kirk Cañeta miss a go-ahead layup on the fast break in the dying seconds and Amiel Acido commit a turnover on UST’s final inbound play.

Still, Llemit emphasized that there is no room for blame or second-guessing, saying he stands firmly behind his teammates despite the loss.

“Sa last play, wala naman kaming question doon, support naman kami sa ginawa ni Kirk,” said Llemit, who cut UST’s deficit to one, 102-101, with 42 seconds remaining as the Tigers attempted to salvage the win.

“Kung yun ang nasa game plan namin, support kami sa decision niya,” added Llemit, who had already fouled out before Veejay Pre iced the game from the free-throw line. “And sa last play, natamaan ako pero hindi tinawagan. Pero wala kaming magagawa kasi hindi tumawag yung referee. Wala na akong magagawa doon.”

What Llemit is focusing on instead is how UST can learn from the miscues that led to the Tigers squandering not only a 12-point lead but also multiple opportunities to close out the game in the first overtime.

“Titingnan namin yung game, at pag-aaralan yung mga lapses namin,” he stressed. “Marami kaming lapses, so pag-aaralan namin yun at babawi na lang kami.”

One factor that contributed to UST’s downfall was its 22 turnovers, which UP converted into 22 points off turnovers and 12 fast-break points. The Fighting Maroons also used those opportunities to stay alive during the first overtime period.

For Llemit, the defeat serves as an eye-opener that could help UST turn things around as the season enters its crucial stretch.

“Hindi naman dito matatapos yung season namin,” he said as the Tigers absorbed their fourth loss in eight games. “Babawi kami. Bounce back. Ire-relearn lang namin ito, kasi marami kaming pwedeng matutunan. Next time, sisikapin naming mas maging maganda yung laro namin.”