University of Santo Tomas almost played stopper to the UAAP’s longest winning streak in all of its 85 seasons – National University’s 99 straight wins in women’s basketball.
The Growling Tigresses fell just short against the Lady Bulldogs, 75-78, Sunday morning at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But despite the huge scare, UST head coach Haydee Ong knows that coming close is not the same as winning the ballgame.
“This doesn’t prove anything for us yet.
“The league has just started, we have to work hard and huwag natin tanggalin ‘yung goal na to be in the Final Four,” said Ong.
For Eka Soriano, who had 18 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists; and Tacky Tacatac with 18 points as well, they were mighty proud of how UST fought back from 11 down in the last two minutes.
“Kahit na natalo kami, sobrang nakakaproud pa rin kasi yun nga we know naman na yung NU is 99 wins na and we fought nga,” said Tacatac.
“Sobrang happy po kasi lumaban pa rin kami hanggang dulo,” echoed Soriano.
Ong’s Growling Tigresses were almost there for their past four encounters against NU, 70-74, 65-70, 54-66, and this match.
The bench tactician shared how UST challenges the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty – and it’s always a partnership between the coaching staff and the players.
“I told the girls na we’re not the best team here in the league but as coaches, we should find a strategy to make a way for every opponent we face na we can have a bigger chance of beating them,” said Ong.
“I think kasama noong strategy is yung preparation and working hard together. Importante kasi na your players are coachable.”
