Paul Desiderio's collegiate career not at an end due to ‘atin 'to’ mentality

With the game tied at 69 and with less than six seconds left in the clock, Paul Desiderio went for the shot that almost sealed the deal for the UP Fighting Maroons.

Paul Desiderio for the shot! UP with the lead, 71-69, 05.5 secs left | via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/eDPmjuUTwM

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 24, 2018

Asked about what was running in his mind during that time, the graduating senior went back to a familiar mantra of his.

"Nasa isip ko lang, 'Atin 'to!'"

Desiderio listed 19 markers for UP, all of which were made during the second half.

But despite Adamson's late run, Desiderio said what motivated him was the throng of fans who went to the Mall of Asia Arena to witness UP's first Final Four appearance in 21 years.

"Kumbaga kanina, iniisip ko nung nagra-rally 'yung Adamson, 'Ito na naman.'" Pero nakikita ko 'yung community, sa isip-isip namin, hindi kami mag-give up. Kumbaga, bibigyan pa namin ng chance para makapasok sa Finals." he narrated.

"Sabi ko, bibigyan pa namin ng isang chance. Ayaw pa naming last game to," Desiderio added.

It was from the crowd that Desiderio got his confidence for today's win.

"Sobrang nakaka-kumpiyansa lalo na 'yung mga times na may rally, makikita mo community na nagche-cheer, dun kami kumukuha ng kumpiyansa sa kanila."

WATCH: UP crowd celebrating | via @jk_carandang pic.twitter.com/b5YcQTgzka

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 24, 2018

Was this the biggest UP crowd he had seen in his career?

"Hindi pa. Meron pa sa Wednesday," Desiderio said. — DVM, GMA News