DESPITE having a tough off-season schedule, the hard-fighting UST Growling Tigers are showing that they can be a force to reckon with next season.
With balanced scoring and a surprisingly improved defense, the Growling Tigers dominated in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games, scoring an average of 84.2 points per game. The Tigers won all its eight games in the tournament.
Aside from its strong showing in the PRISAA, where slotman Jervy Cruz took MVP honors, UST is also off to a good showing in the Fr. Martin’s Cup and the Home and Away Invitational League (HAIL).
Asst. coach Lester del Rosario attributed UST’s recent success to his players’ ability to deliver during crunch time.
“The players now play hard until the final quarter, an attitude I want them to show in every game,” he said.
Fr. Martin’s Cup
UST, now at 7-2, won its last two games against University of Assumption-Pampanga (UAP) and Colegio de San Juan de Letran-A (Letran) in the Fr. Martin’s Cup eliminations.
UST is tied with San Beda with a 7-2 slate, but is only at solo third place behind San Beda, which has a higher quotient. UAAP Season 68 semifinalist Ateneo leads the pack with 7-1.
The Tigers subdued UAP, 67-62, last Feb. 12 at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Gym in Manila.
Trailing by six points heading into the fourth quarter, UST rallied with three straight fastbreak baskets behind Jemal Vizcarra and Japs Cuan to salvage the win.
Duncil led the Tigers with 19 points, while Vizcarra added 18.
Earlier, UST’s team effort and hustle plays powered it past Letran-A, 83-80, for a come-from-behind win last Jan. 30 at the FEU Gym.
With the game tied at 80 less than a minute remaining in the game, veteran Vizcarra rose to the occasion, converting on a baseline drive after faking off his defender. Vizcarra then sank a free throw in the dying seconds to seal the victory.
Prized rookie Cruz led the Tigers with 19 points, while Chester Taylor added 18.
Home and away
Meanwhile, UST suffered its second-straight setback in HAIL, losing to defending UAAP champions FEU Tamaraws, 69-83, last Feb. 15 at the FEU Gym.
UST held a six-point lead at the half, but struggled to keep up with FEU’s fast-paced offense, falling 53-58 at the end of the third canto.
The Tigers scored a measly 27 points in the second half against the Tamaraws’ 47 markers.
“The boys failed to rotate on defense, giving FEU’s shooters good looks at the basket,” Del Rosario said.
Duncil topscored for the Tigers with 12 markers, while Jonas Villanueva led FEU with a game-high 21 points.
Earlier, UST lost to league-leading San Beda, 74-70, last Feb. 3 at the San Beda Gym.
The Tigers blasted the University of the East Red Warriors on opening day with an 81-74 victory last Feb. 1 at the jampacked UST Gym.
Duncil led the Tigers with 29 points, while Anthony Espiritu chipped in 19 markers. Don Gil K. Carreon and Llanesca T. Panti
