After failing to advance to the UAAP Final Four for the first time last year, the UST Growling Tigers are starting to display their old ferocious form as they posted a 5-1 record in the elimination round, with still a game left to clinch a semifinal slot, in the ongoing 8th Fr. Martin’s Cup at the UE gym.
The Growling Tigers carved a near flawless win-loss card by beating bracket mates San Beda-A, FEU-A, Jose Rizal University, Ateneo-B and University of Assumption.
They only suffered their only loss last May 18 against the De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde Blazers via a heartbreaking 76-75 count.
The Tigers, together with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws finished the elimination round with identical 6-1 records. But the Morayta-based cagers edged out the Tigers for the top spot with their superior quotient.
UST Tigers head coach Aric del Rosario is very optimistic about the team’s performance and emphasized the character change of his wards.
He also stressed that the team’s offense and defense improved.
“Dati hirap na kami maka-score ng 60 points, ngayon umaabot na kami ng 90 plus,” he added.
The Tigers are undergoing a special weight training and conditioning program have increased their strength and stamina.
Del Rosario is anticipating possible match-ups in the cross-over semifinals against strong squads like the Adamson University Falcons, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and the San Sebastian Stags.
The Fr. Martin’s Cup is an annual event, which serves as training ground for the varsity teams of the UAAP and the NCAA.
Although the Tigers are performing well in the tournament, Coach del Rosario is still focused on relieving the teams weaknesses.
“Big man ang problema ko, kulang talaga,” he said, stressing the scarcity of centers and power forwards who could match the likes of Ateneo’s Enrico Villanueva and DLSU’s Adonis Sta. Maria.
But he said the team is very eager to bounce back from their disappointing UAAP season last year, and with the kind of performance his boys are showing in the off-season, things may be looking bright for the Growling Tigers this year.
