Right from the start, University of Santo Tomas head coach Haydee Ong set high expectations for Oma Onianwa.
Even before the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament began, Ong emphasized that the Nigerian student-athlete would be a crucial piece in the Growling Tigresses’ redemption bid after losing their crown in Season 87 to the NU Lady Bulldogs.
On Saturday night, Onianwa showed exactly why. She powered UST to a commanding 105-56 opening-day win over De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-4 center delivered an all-around performance, scoring 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting while hauling down 19 rebounds in just 18 minutes and 43 seconds of play. She also dished out three assists, tallied three steals, and blocked a shot, finishing with a game-high plus-38 efficiency rating.
“Oma will be an integral part, and she knows that. Every day we talk about it sa practices and hopefully, this is not just the game that Oma will perform well and that she will be consistent throughout the season,” said Ong after the win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite the weight of expectations, Onianwa remains unfazed, putting her full trust in Ong’s coaching staff and her teammates, particularly the graduating duo of Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano.
Ong also highlighted the depth of UST’s roster, pointing to high-scoring guard Karylle Sierba, Agatha Bron, Brigette Santos, CJ Maglupay, and others. Against La Salle, the Tigresses showcased their depth as Ong utilized all 16 players.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I feel so excited. It was a good win,” said Onianwa.
“I will say it’s not just all about me. I have my teammates on the court and the coaches on the sidelines. They help me in every way so it relieves the pressure.”
But the real test awaits. After cruising in their opener, UST will next face NU — a rematch of the last two Finals series.
Still, Onianwa treats it like business as usual.
“Nothing is gonna change,” she said.
“We’re just gonna stick to the system of UST, play together, do what we are supposed to do as a team, listen to our coaches and captains, and let our hearts out.”
