University of Santo Tomas head coach Aldin Ayo could not help but blame himself for the meltdown the Growling Tigers suffered at the hands of the Adamson Soaring Falcons last Wednesday.
“Kung may sisisihin diyan ako. Ako yung coach eh. I take full responsibility for that loss. Dapat mas maganda yung decision-making ko nung dulo. Siyempre sumusunod sa akin yung mga players eh,” he admitted.
“Kung may dapat sisihin dun yung coach.”
In another classic encounter in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament, UST was up by 13 points, 61-48, early in the final frame.
But Val Chauca and Adamson stormed their way back with a blistering 16-0 assault to deal UST a crushing 71-78 defeat.
Ayo praised Pumaren and the rest of the Soaring Falcons for showing poise, especially when they were down. Moreover, that patience Adamson displayed is what he wants the Growling Tigers to eventually learn.
“Natalo kami kagabi kasi mas maganda nilaro sa amin ng Adamson, especially nung dulo. Maganda naman talaga yung laro, maka-convert ka ng ganung three-point shots,” the decorated mentor admitted.
“Sa parte namin, hindi kami nakapagtapos ng matigas.”
Regarding the Tweet he made moments after the game referring to a crucial, late non-call, Ayo shared that it was not meant as shade to the officials.
“Nag-post lang ako ng picture na yun dahil nagspla-splice kami ng videos nun. Ang purpose nun is mapaganda yung tawagan moving forward. Siyempre, gusto natin mas gumanda pa yung season,” he said.
“Wala na kami magagawa with the loss dahil we didn’t play our game. Gusto lang namin ma-address yung di natawag.”
Moving forward, the UST mentor hopes that they learn from their losses to Ateneo and Adamson. In addition, he knows that losses like those would only make the Growling Tigers stronger.
“Yung mga ganitong klaseng talo will only make us better. Eto yung mga talo na babalikan namin sa practice, and we will make sure na hindi na maulit.”
