THEY cannot catch a break.
After working up a sizeable lead after the first semester, the UST Growling Tigers’ chance of regaining the UAAP overall title is slipping, with two-time defending champion De La Salle University catching up as Season 77 nears a climactic finish.
Based on the Varsitarian’s latest and unofficial tally of the general championship race, UST has a total of 275 points from all events except softball while La Salle currently has 238 points not including results from women’s volleyball, baseball, softball and men’s football.
As of press time, the Green Archers are locked in finals showdowns with the Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University in baseball and men’s football, respectively, while the Lady Spikers face a thrice-to-beat disadvantage against defending champion Atenedo De Manila University for the women's volleyball championship.
However, their chances against the Lady Eagles were severely hampered after top spiker Ara Galang sustained a torn ACL and MCL in their do-or-die victory over National University in the Final Four.
UST, La Salle, NU, the University of the Philippines and the University of the East are fighting for the last three slots in the Final Four in softball.
As things stands, should the Tiger Softbelles manage to steal second place in softball, UST will have a maximum total of 287 points and assuming that all La Salle teams face worst-case scenarios, the Green Archers will have a minimum score of 278.
However, the Green Archers have a maximum point total of 298 points if they win championships in all four events but if they keep their current pace, La Salle will have a more realistic maximum score of 289 points.
The Growling Tigers’ hopes for scoring their 40th general championship lie on the performance of the Tiger Softbelles although it will not guarantee a victory for UST.
