UST has turned things around after their dismal 2-5 first round performance. They are now on a three-game winning streak, winning their first two second round games, and are now holders of a 4-5 record.
Previously, Coach Odjie Mamon mentioned that in order for the team to make it into the Final Four, they would have to defeat the teams that beat them in the first round. So far, so good for the UST coach, as his wards defeated Adamson and NU, two of the five teams that UST lost to previously.
“Kailangan eh, para makasali kami sa Final Four. Pero we’ll take it one game at a time. Yung preparation parang yung preparation namin sa Adamson. General preparation, then day before the game saka ako magbibigay ng matchups. Kaya kahit mag off yung isa meron akong mahuhugot.”
Asked if he thought that his team was peaking at the right time, Coach Mamon believes that while they are getting there, the team has yet to achieve its potential.
“Umaangat kami, tsaka maganda pa rin yung mindset yung mga bata pag manalo sila, kaya madali magturo.”
Coach Mamon was also not surprised that they defeated NU in straight sets, citing NU’s need to acclimate to a new coach and system.
“Not really, kasi kanina maganda tanong sa akin ni Kristelle, ano impression ko kay Coach Roger tsaka sa team. New system, tapos nangangapa siya. Pero it’s a double edged sword kasi, yung mga players naman niya, they’re out to impress Coach Roger, kaya hirap ako sa matchups… So pinaghandaan namin si Jaja tsaka Myla Pablo.”
Cherry Rondina played very well for the Tigresses, subbing in for EJ Laure and leading the team to a victory with 15 points.
“Actually isa’t isa kasi si Rondina. Isang patay tapos isang mali. Pagka nag start siya ng ganon, off na siya. When she’s continuous na patay niya, unstoppable siya.”
“Mataas talaga eh, kaya namin kinuha yun. Kaya namin nirecruit yun. Lalo na sa buhangin hindi nagpapalit yung quality ng talon niya eh.”
Laure has had off games in two of the team’s last three matches. Apparently, she was diagnosed with an eye problem that messes with her depth perception.
“Malabo ang mata. Baka mag contact lens siguro. Mamadaliin namin, kasi nadiagnose siya nung weekend. It’s something to do with depth perception. Akala niya malapit na kaya tapyok tapyok yung palo niya. Hopefully masanay siya na may suot na ganon.”
UST will face FEU next, and although the Tigresses won their first round matchup, Coach Mamon promised that they will not take the Lady Tams lightly.
