#FilOil2019: Robinson heaps praise not just on Lyceum, but also to CEU after tough quarterfinal

SAN JUAN -- For the Lyceum Pirates, Monday's win against CEU in the quarterfinals gave them more than just lessons on the court.

Playing without Mike Harry Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino, Topex Robinson had to rely on what he had after their tough 76-69 win over the Scorpions gave them the return ticket to the semifinals.

"It's really about how to help each other out," he said, noting that their absence is never an excuse for them to just give up. "We always have to find a way not to win but to compete."

The presence of Jayvee Marcelino and Alvin Baetiong was a clear example of what Robinson is exhorting, with the duo able to fill the hole as they made big shots down the stretch.

"Kelangan namin talaga magstep-up lahat. Yung laro namin kelangan maging buo kami sa loob ng court," said the other twin of Jaycee as he made the crucial steal and the lay-up to extend the lead.

The former San Sebastian slotman had to face a mountain to climb against Malick Diouf, as he shared what gave him the courage to man up when Nzeusseu is unavaiable.

"Ang sabi lang po kasi ni coach Topex, wag kang matakot na magkamali," referring to the ever-present mantra which is evident in Robinson's philosophy, in which there's always the next play to make up for it. "Ibigay lang namin ang best namin. Sabi ni coach, kahit anong mangyari manalo, matalo basta ginagawa namin para mainspire sa ibang tao."

Furthermore, Robinson heaped a lot of credit to their opponents who hang tough on them even with their trials that hound them led to their squad slashed more than a half.

"I told them that everyone fell into the trap na undermanned ang CEU," he surmised. "Remind me, undermanned but they'll never be under heart. They always got to give their best."

He concluded that overconfidence does not exist for these Pirates, even if they blew a 17 point lead to find themselves trail in the final frame before pulling away late.

"It was never about overconfidence, it's about respect to the team. We never have it on our vocabulary," he said, knowing that their opponents play at their best when they face them.

Add to that he lets the players play their game, as he puts his trust on the five on the floor to learn the basics on taking charge for their team..

"The lesser I coach them, the better it is for them. Because that means they're growing. It's about leaders building leaders."

(photo by FilOil FlyingV Sports)