UP's Terrence Fortea is first Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week

In the absence of injured point guard JD Cagulangan, another player stepped up for the University of the Philippines as it started its title defense for UAAP Season 85.

As the Fighting Maroons swept all of its first three games this season, Terrence Fortea posted 14.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 10-of-20 shooting from beyond the arc.

Aside from his impressive averages, Fortea registered a career-high of 17 markers on a 5-of-5 clip from rainbow country to tow UP past Far Eastern University, 73-67. Prior to this, the 6-foot-1 guard had a previous career-high of 15 points during the Diliman-based squad's win against De La Salle University in their opening game.

With his impressive performance, Fortea has been named as the first Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week for Season 85 presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Since ‘nung situation namin about (JD Cagulangan), naging mindset kong kailangan mag-step up para sa team namin,” the former Batang Gilas and NU Bullpup said.

Fortea bested teammate Carl Tamayo, La Salle's Schonny Winston, Ateneo's Ange Kouame, UE's Kyle Paranada, and UST's Nic Cabanero for the recognition supported by minor sponsors Jockey, Tinapayan Festival, and MNL Kingpin. Print and online writers regularly covering the league determine the winner of the said award.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News