think rainbows

UST started out their season 74 campaign strong. They've had good wins, but some heartbreaking losses as well. They are currently tied with the Green Archers for fourth with 4 wins and 5 losses. Thursday will be judgement day as UST faces DLSU to determine which team retains the fourth spot, while the other team falls to fifth.

Both teams lost in their recent games; UE shocked Lasalle while Ateneo didn't let UST upset them. Question now is who's going to bounce back big? Both teams will try and stay within the top four teams, so expect this match to be intense.

During their first round meeting, it looked like DLSU was easily going to take away the game from UST as the Green Archers led the Tigers 49-27 at halftime. Third quarter was a different story though as the Tigers woke up from their slump, used their 2-3 zone and held Lasalle to just 7 points for the whole quarter, bringing down the lead to 56-44. UST continued their furious rally in the fourth to close in at 72-71, before Jarelan Tampus missed both his freebies but rebounded for his own miss and sealed the win for the Archers, 74-71.

It was a game UST could have won, but was just a little too late. UST though bounced back from that loss by handling the Maroons their 7th loss, before the Tigers bowed down to the Blue Eagles again. I believe that game against the Blue Eagles is their worst. They should forget that and move on. Every game's a chance to learn something. I hope the Tigers realize that, and use the lessons learned to their advantage.

After DLSU, the Tigers will still face UE, Adamson, FEU, and NU. They were able to win over UE and NU in the first round, but were defeated by Adamson, and that heartbreaking loss to FEU. The Tigers cannot afford to lose starting Thursday if they want to finish fourth. Of course it's every team's mission to win in every game that they have, and the Tigers need to work doubly hard since all teams are now on full attack mode. Tighter defense, better offense.

I am happy with the way they are progressing in the UAAP though; yes there are still some lapses here and there, but they are so much more improved than last season. Abdul, Fortuna, and Teng should lead the team from here on. I wish to see the Kevin Ferrer we saw during the first round meeting of UE and UST though. After that game, Ferrer seems to be lost, or could it be that he's now more of a defender than a scorer. Chris Camus has been a monster rebounder but I think he needs to pile up on those points as well because I know he can. I also wish that UST's bench step up more to the challenge whenever Coach Pido lets them play. Also, consistency is an important key; what you started in the first quarter, you should match until the fourth, or even surpass it. And of course, NEVER-SAY-DIE.

Sabi nga ni Coach Pido, there's no way to go but up. We're already here. Tuloy tuloy na natin! Trabaho lang every game, at sipag, kaya 'yan. Go Tigers! 

P.S.
I believe Afuang is the only player who'll graduate after this season, so next year's Tigers are still intact, and hopefully Bautista, Mariano, and Daquioag will be back for more reinforcement for the Tigers...plus that kid who scored 104, I hope he goes to the black-gold-black-white side too.

P.P.S.
Petron just won in the PBA, Coach Pido should be inspired and in high spirits. Go Coach! =))