Mark Belmonte breakout game highlights UP roster depth

MANILA, Philippines — Mark Belmonte’s breakout game was a testament to the University of the Philippines’ depth, which has been the key to its unbeaten three-game run in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Belmonte had a near-perfect shooting night, delivering a game-high 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting as UP unleashed the most lopsided win of the season so far with an 89-62 rout of National University on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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In just 15 minutes of action, the sophomore played his best game yet in a Fighting Maroon uniform, making the most of the trust given to him by coach Goldwin Monteverde.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

“Coach Gold just told me to be ready, whether I get to play or not, and to help the team in any way I can,” said Belmonte. “When I’m put in, I’ll give my best because we have a deep roster. There’s nothing to lose if I give my best, and it will help the team.”

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Belmonte set the tone for the Fighting Maroons’ dominant game, scoring 12 of his 14 in the first half, where they led as many as 31. The runner-up of the past two seasons showed no mercy for the remainder of the game, tallying the biggest lead, 39 points, in the third quarter.

The 6-foot-5 forward has been starting for UP in the past three games for Aldous Torculas, who just returned from a grade 2 sprain in his right ankle and contributed against NU.

READ: UP coach Goldwin Monteverde has ‘always seen potential in Mark Belmonte

Belmonte’s motivation for their unstoppable showing was their unconvincing finish in their 81-71 win over the University of the East last Saturday.

“I just thought about how I can really help us stay consistent until the end of the game. We really decided to focus on everything today because our game last Saturday ended poorly,” he said.

UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, speaking for Monteverde, said they knew what Belmonte is capable of. 

READ: UAAP: UP thrashes NU for 3-0 start in men’s basketball

“What’s impressive about Mark is that you could say he’s somewhat of a late bloomer in terms of adapting to a systematic style of basketball,” Luanzon said. “The skill and talent are obviously there. He’s long, athletic, can shoot from the outside, and his defense and adjustments over the past few years have been huge. This is only his second season, and it’s a big deal for us, especially knowing that Aldous Torculas was going to miss some games.”

With Torculas finally back in action and Belmonte emerging as a key player, UP has another level of firepower in its bid reclaim the title after two consecutive runner-up finishes.

“Mark stepping up, along with other players, is huge for us. Obviously, everyone from the first to the 16th player is capable of playing, so there’s no reason to conserve their energy. They just need to give their all when they’re on the court,” Luanzon added.

The Fighting Maroons face the winless Far Eastern University Tamaraws (0-3) on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.