MELTDOWNS have been the bane of the UST Growling Tigresses in their losses this season, and their head coach said they need to be better in controlling their emotions and exert more effort to defeat the UP Fighting Maroons in their do-or-die game for a finals spot on Saturday.
After the Tigresses’ 88-80 loss in Game 1 on Wednesday, UST head coach Haydee Ong said more effort and maturity are expected from the team to avoid another meltdown.
“It’s all effort and hardwork,” she told the Varsitarian. “Kung masipag ‘yung UP, dapat mas masipag tayo. Ganon lang.”
The Tigresses squandered a 20-point lead in the second quarter as UP stormed back with a 21-0 run, marking the start of their collapse.
UP then outscored UST in overtime, 16-8.
“We started very strong, we had a big lead (pero) pinakain nila,” Ong said. “I think that’s where our maturity should come in.”
“Hindi pwede na ganun-ganon lang kabilis na hahabulin kami ng UP. Dapat paghirapan ng UP yung bawat tira na pinapasok nila.”
UST was outrebounded by UP, 62-44, and gave up 30 rebounds to UP big Favour Onoh.
Ong said the team is aiming to address the rebounding gap by having a better shot selection.
“Very important on Saturday is that ‘yung disparity on the rebounds, ma-control natin, and have better shots selection,” she said. “I think kailangan maging intentional and conscious ‘yung mga bata na hindi lahat ng libreng three points, tinitira. Dapat if they have a lane, they should attack as well.”
The Tigresses attempted 48 shots from distance, only converting 12.
“It doesn’t matter na yung X’s and O’s ngayon. It’s how we handle the pressure, how we want it more than UP on Saturday.”
“Everybody should step up. Hopefully by Saturday talaga, we can bounce back and win the game. ‘Pag binigyan sila ng opportunity to play on Saturday, they should give all their best and live everything inside the court.” With reports from Jose Gabriel V. Ignacio.
