MANILA, Philippines— Coach Topex Robinson barely had any regrets at the end of the UAAP Season 87 Finals where La Salle got its crown knocked off by rival  University of the Philippines.

After a heart-stopping fourth quarter, the Fighting Maroons clinched the championship and dethroned the Green Archers in Game 3, 66-62, at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday to return atop the food chain of the UAAP men’s basketball.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ UP outlasts La Salle to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball title

Despite missing out on back-to-back titles, Robinson exuded pride for his boys after La Salle just fell short in the clutch at the hands of UP.

“As painful as this is, we’ll learn from this in the next two weeks. It’ll be preparations for Season 88 for us. We’re excited about it,” said Robinson.

Article continues after this advertisement

Final seconds between the UP Fighting Maroons and the La Salle GReen Archers in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“As long as we know in our hearts of hearts that we gave our best, then there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We played it until the final buzzer and we did it how true La Sallians do it, we just kept on fighting.”

Last year, Robinson made history after winning his first coaching championship for the Green Archers following stints with San Sebastian and Lyceum in the NCAA and Phoenix in the PBA.

READ: UAAP Finals: Topex Robinson lifts La Salle’s morale after Game 1 loss

Unfortunately, he wasn’t destined to add one more hardware to his closet this season. At least, not for now.

“It’s not always going to go the way you want it to be but I just want to soak that moment because it’s a thing I’ll remember for Season 88,” Robinson said.

But instead of frowning over UP’s championship celebration on the hardwood, Robinson savored the moment and stayed until the Fighting Maroons hoisted up the trophy for everyone to see.

For him, it’s a respectful gesture that also serves as fuel for the coming season, which will undoubtedly bring more challenges than ever for the Taft-based squad.

“I want to feel this moment and give respect where respect is due. I couldn’t ask for a better end to this game than playing it in front of that crowd. We don’t know if we’ll play in the Finals next season, that’s not guaranteed,” Robinson said.