Zamar to Warriors: 'Let's finish with our heads high'

MANILA, Philippines -- UE coach Boycie Zamar wants the Red Warriors to keep on fighting despite being eliminated in the race for the Final Four in the on-going season 76 of the UAAP men's basketball tourney after their heart-breaking 71-77 loss to Ateneo yesterday at the MOA Arena.

"We have to finish the season with our heads high, di naman pwede porket natalo ka ilang beses aayaw ka na, these are character-forming games we have to play our best no matter what," said Zamar, after UE suffered their fourth-straight loss that ultimately booted them out of contention.

Zamar believes that their season boiled down to their maturity and their mental toughness after receiving tough losses in their last games.

"It boils down to immaturity and mental toughness sabi ko sa kanila if you want to go to another level you have to be managers, you manage the margin, the time, and even the losses you have to be a manager not only a leader," said Zamar.

The former UE Red Warrior also shared that he implored his boys to learn from their mistakes this season, especially the actions that netted them unfortunate suspension at the crucial part of their campaign.

"Ako naman kasi ang coach na di gumagawa ng excuses katulad kina (Charles) Mammie, (Lord) Casajeros and (Ralf) Olivarez. I hope they realize their mistakes," said Zamar, of the three players who was suspended this season for various unsportsmanlike fouls in different games.

"Ang laki laki ng binabayaran namin na tuition nila ang mahal, masakit yun so sana matuto na sila, it goes back again to maturity and mental toughtness," he added.