UAAP: UST’s redemption tour back on track after Game 2 blowout of NU

The University of Santo Tomas did not just survive, they thrived.

Licking their wounds after their first defeat of the season in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 finals, Haydee Ong’s squad were on a mission to prove that their previously unblemished record was not a fluke.

More importantly, with their title hopes hanging in the balance in game two, the Growling Tigresses dismantled National University to force a rubber match, 95-70.

En route to winning the second finals bout, the España-based team’s roar was heard throughout the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, with four Tigresses entering double digits, while four others notching six points or more.

Moreover, UST shot the lights out from the arc, draining 13 threes; good for a 43.3% percent shooting clip. The Growling Tigresses’ first five also outscored NU’s starters by a wide 24-point margin, 53-29.

As recent history would have it between these two fierce opponents, Game 2 of a best-of-three finals series has been a toss up. In Season 86, where UST was able to claim the championship, it was NU who won Game 2.

On the other hand, during Season 87, it was UST who notched a victory in Game 2; with the Lady Bulldogs having the last laugh by hoisting the trophy in the end.

Hoping not to repeat the same outcome last year, Ong said that she and her coaching staff will do their best to guide their troops to the finish line.

“We want to rewrite the history na on game three kami naman ang mag-reclaim. We will do our best. We will put the players to their best spots, best part for them to become successful pagdating sa game three,” Ong asserted.

Inching ever so close to redeeming the women’s crown, Ong asserted that the title decider on Sunday will go beyond physical skill and tactical advantages.

“We will keep pushing them to do the right things, especially do-or-die na yung game three. Wala nang masyadong X’s and O’s. It’s all about heart, kung sino talaga yung gusto manalo on Sunday, that will prevail,” the UST mentor said.

Playing inspired basketball, Brigette Santos also affirmed that she and her teammates will do everything they can to give their seniors a golden send-off.

“Yung laro ko talaga para sa kanila talaga since, ang dami na naming pinagdaanan. Bibigay ko lang yung best ko para mabigyan sila ng magandang exit sa UAAP,” Santos said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News