Juan and Javi to UP: Keep the faith

Games Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 11 a.m. – NU vs FEU (women’s) 3:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (men’s)

University of the Philippines standouts Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño both expressed confidence the Fighting Maroons have what it takes to launch a successful fightback in Game 2 tomorrow against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the 81st UAAP men’s basketball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gomez de Liaño brothers took to Twitter in sharing their thoughts after Ateneo drew first blood in the bestof-three series via an 88-79 victory in Game 1 last Saturday.

Juan Gomez de Liaño said “thank you up community, y’all were amazing as always! we will be back stronger,” via his account @ juan_swish9 adding a hashtag #upfight on the post.

Yesterday, he posted another Tweet, saying: “positivity can really get you through anything.”

His younger brother Javi posted a shorter but similar sentiment.

He said “we will comeback better. keep the faith,” through his account @javigdl22.

Juan, the younger of the two, had 17 points and nine rebounds but had a team-high six of UP’s 19 turnovers, which Ateneo translat- ed to 24 points, while Javi contributed 11 points. UP coach Bo Perasol, meantime, rejected social media statements reportedly made by a UP official that netizens felt were threatening in nature. “That’s foul,” said Perasol in a text message. “I don’t condone that sort of thing. Let’s not turn something good to something ugly.” Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, for his part, said he is sure the post doesn’t reflect he view of the UP community.