think rainbows

And the Tigers are growling louder and louder.

UST squandered an 18-point lead but remained steady in the endgame as they beat FEU earlier today, 77-73. The win put UST in a tie with FEU at 8-5, and kept the hopes of vying for a twice to beat advantage in the semis alive.

Although DLSU's loss in the first game against NU gave UST a free ride into the Final Four, the Tigers proved that they can bring the team on their own into the Final Four. It was a strong start for the Tigers as they posted an early 23-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, with Chris Camus doing a slam to close out the first 10 minutes of the game. The other Tigers followed suit, with rookies Abdul and Ferrer leading the pack, to give UST a 45-32 edge after the first half.

At the start of the third quarter, FEU's defense awakened and decided they want to run and score on transition, as they forced UST to turn the ball over as well. This put the Tamaraws within 2, 55-53 at the end of the third quarter. The Tamaraws continued their furious rally in the fourth quarter, as the score was tied at 64-all after an Aldrech Ramos shot. RR Garcia broke the tie and gave FEU the lead, 67-64, before Chris Camus hit a very, very long three-pointer to tie the score at 67-all once again. Kevin Ferrer then buried a triple to give UST back the lead, but an unsportsmanlike foul was called on Karim Abdul for allegedly throwing an elbow on an FEU player. This is his second for the season, which makes him doubtful to play on Sunday when the Tigers go against the Bulldogs.

With the clock winding down and fouls were coming into play, the steady shooting of Camus and Abdul at the line played a very important role in the Tigers' win today. Definitely not wanting a repeat of the FEU win in the first round, the Tigers made sure that this time, victory will be theirs. Four Tigers finished with double-digit scoring as Abdul, Ferrer, Fortuna and Teng got 20, 19, 14, and 11 points respectively. Karim Abdul was named player of the game as he also got 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal.

We've also seen the reawakening of Kevin Ferrer in this game as he has matched his season-best 19 points, which he first scored against UE in the first round. Hopefully, this is just a start, as we see him gain more confidence with his game. I am so stoked for him! Imagine if he could do this every game?? As for the other Tigers? KUDOS to the whole team! The way they've been playing every game is a testament to how badly this team wants to win. Now I know truly what "one game at a time" means. 

You also gotta give credit to the coaching staff as well. They've done a pretty good job on keeping these Tigers motivated and hungry coming into every game that they play. Wow. And as I've said,I have nothing but high, and this time, higher hopes for this UST team. They should keep on improving, and they're doing it at the right time! We're not yet done.

We meet NU on Sunday, last game for the eliminations. Let's go out strong and get that W again! Let's keep the momentum going. Tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy Tigers!! Hard work lang! Walang bibitaw!!! Go USTe!! :D BELIEVE. NEVER SAY DIE.

P.S.

Panalo talaga yung dunk at super long three-pointer ni Chris Camus!! :)) Thank you UST for making us so happy! :) 5-1 na tayo sa second round!

And yes, imagine what Bobby Ray Parks could do in his third, fourth, fifth year in the UAAP. But siyempre, go Tigers ako. Jeric Teng still has two years, Fortuna and Camus still has next year, Abdul and Ferrer are rookies, Sheriff, Lo and Tan will improve as the seasons go, Bautista, Mariano and Daquioag will be back. Hay UST, go go go!! =))