think rainbows

That last shot by Jeric Fortuna was on replay in my mind for a couple of hours as I was imagining different scenarios as to what could have happened instead.

1. Afuang inbounds the ball to Fortuna, the three point shot goes in, and who knows what could have happened in overtime. Of course I'm thinking, UST wins in overtime and we go to Game 2.
2. Afuang inbounds the ball to Fortuna, Fortuna makes the pass to an open Jeric Teng, and the three point shot goes in. Again, who knows what could have happened in overtime.
3. The three point shot, either by Fortuna or Teng, still doesn't go in.

It's a bitter pill to swallow to think that we almost had it but we didn't, and that there won't be any chances to get back at the opponent on the next game, for there won't be a next game. That was it. But the bitterness was swallowed by the mightiness that the Growling Tigers have shown.

UST started out strong, registering an early 4-0 lead against the Blue Eagles. You can see it in how they play that they really wanted to win this game. They led most of the time in the first quarter, thanks to Karim Abdul's mighty presence inside. At the end of the first quarter, score was tied at 18-all.

Ateneo's defense woke up in the second quarter and they started to pull away with the help of their bench players as Tonino Gonzaga put Ateneo ahead at 26-21. The Eagles went on a 11-4 run to grab a 38-28 lead, and eventually the first half ended with the Eagles on top, 38-30.

With eyes on the prize, Ateneo didn't want UST to get near at all as they surged ahead in the third quarter to register their biggest lead, 48-33, courtesy of Slaughter, Ravena, and Salva. Teng and Afuang managed to put UST within 48-37, but Greg Slaughter stopped the momentum with a slam to the delight of the blue side of the Coliseum. At the end of the third quarter, the Blue Eagles were still on top, 52-40.

At the back of my mind, I kept on thinking, kaya pa 'to, kaya pa, laban lang.


And indeed the Tigers fought. Kevin Ferrer started things going in the fourth quarter as he waxed hot to help put UST within 5 also after a Camus triple, 54-49. But to every UST rally, Ateneo had an answer. Kiefer Ravena took matters in his own hands as he lead a 7-2 run to give the Blue Eagles back a double-digit margin, 61-51 with 5:17 left in the game. The Tigers though just kept on growling. Free throws and a crucial three-pointer by Jeric Fortuna after his so many attempts put UST to within 65-60 with 2:13 on the clock. Ravena got Ferrer's last foul but the former just got 1 out of 3 free throws.

Chris Camus followed suit as UST barged even nearer at 66-63. A split from the foul line from Chua and a Jeric Teng triple made it even closer at 67-66. UST had to foul and sent Salva to the line as time was running out. Salva hit both free throws putting Ateneo ahead at 69-66. Coach Pido called for a timeout to set up a game-tying play. Afuang inbounded the ball to Jeric Fortuna, but the captain missed on the long three pointer. Ateneo has booked another trip to the Finals to defend their title.


It wasn't as if UST didn't have the chance. And as if they did not try and fight. Two crucial turnovers also did it for the Tigers in the fourth quarter as the clock was winding down, as well as those missed free throw shots. But there's no one to blame. Ateneo did play well anyway. And as they say, charge it to experience. It was a very gallant stand for the Tigers for their last game of the season. They were definitely a different team than from the team which Ateneo faced in the eliminations.

Sayang, but I wasn't all that disappointed because of what they've shown. They have improved a lot. This may sound like a broken record already but no one really expected the Tigers to enter the Final Four, and yet they were able to. People were not even giving them a chance with this match against Ateneo, and yet the Blue Eagles had to survive a gutsy UST squad to go back into the Finals. Really nothing to be ashamed of.

It has been an awesome season for the Tigers. First round was so-so, but second round was awesome. Especially defense-wise! 8-6, fourth place. Heaps better than their 7th place, 4-10 finish last season. It may not have been a mission accomplished, but it is definitely a job well done. The Tigers are on the right path, and as I've said, I have nothing but high hopes for the team. It looks like they'll still be intact for next season, so we have something to look forward to. Hopefully Coach Pido also stays because I honestly don't think that he needs replacing. (And we're also awaiting the decision of the other "JT" of course.)

I am so happy that I kept on supporting the Tigers. It's all definitely worth it. I can't wait 'til Season 75 already. You guys better be ready. =D Growl loud and proud! Go Tigers! Go USTe! =D Believe. Never say die.

P.S.
Salamat sa mga nakasama kong manuod ng live. 'Til next season! =))
And seriously, Chris Camus is the most hardworking player in the UAAP. He should have his own MVP award. Haha!
PUSO!