THE PAST five months have not been golden for the UST Growling Tigresses, who settled for consecutive silver finishes in the UAAP Season 87 women’s 5×5 basketball tournament, the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, and the Pinoyliga Global Invitationals Cup.
After these heartbreaks, UST head coach Haydee Ong said the Tigresses must embrace the pressure of defending their 3×3 crown and completing a three-peat.
“Hopefully, nando’n ‘yong pressure sa kanila talaga to get another gold for the 3×3,” Ong told the Varsitarian.
“Importante sa kanila to do their best. Sometimes kasi pag ‘yong kalaban mo talagang magagaling din, do’n lumalabas ‘yong pressure. They just should embrace lang ‘yong pressure na dadalhin sa kanila.”
UST will field a veteran-laden roster of Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana, former MVP Eka Soriano, bigs Cee-jay Maglupay and Nicole Danganan, and rookie Karylle Sierba.
This is the first time Danganan will play in the 3×3 tournament, while Sierba moved up from the high school 3×3 team. Soriano, Pastrana, and Maglupay are expected to add substantial experience to the roster.
“More or less, ‘yong mga nakaline-up naman, medyo familiar na sila sa dynamics ng 3×3,” Ong said. “Si Kent at saka si Eka, sila ‘yong magdadala ng experience do’n sa dalawa na bago, sina Karylle at Nicole.”
Meanwhile, Maglupay and Danganan will anchor the defense as the team’s frontcourt.
“We expect them to defend ‘yong mga taller players from other schools and at the same time, control the boards and get more rebounds for us.”
Ong said the Tigresses’ 3×3 training conflicted with their recent 5×5 tournaments, but said the team will aim to use the format to its advantage.
“It’s a quick game. As much as possible, matapos namin ‘yong game nang hindi natatapos ‘yong 10 minutes,” the coach said.
Ong added that she expects the Tigresses to continue embodying the mantra she has instilled in them since the beginning.
“The championship, the trophies, the medals, bonus na lang ‘yan,” she said. “Importante is how well they represent the school, how well they represent each other pagdating sa loob ng court.”
The Growling Tigresses will open their Season 87 3×3 campaign against the UE Lady Warriors on Monday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Clyde Leanne Salamatin
