Despite a dismal record of 0-5, Jordan Sta. Ana of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers is still keeping his head high, maintaining a positive outlook for the Black and Gold.
“Nakikita namin yung potential naming mga player. Kaya naman talaga namin sumabay ang problema lang kinakapos kaya yun yung kailangan namin baguhin,” shared Sta. Ana, who is a transferee from the University of the East.
Sta. Ana — who is posting norms of 14.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game — has been a consistent offensive threat so far in the season.
Unfortunately, his efforts have yet to translate into wins.
In the fourth quarter of their game against the unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, Sta. Ana and Marvin Lee led the way by cutting Ateneo’s lead from 22 down to one, 80-81, with 6:24 remaining.
However, their missed free throws and turnovers during the crucial dying minutes allowed Ateneo to sink baskets again closing the match with a 94-84 win..
“Kailangan namin bawasan mga turnovers namin lalo na kapag mga crucial, dun kami kasi nagkaka-turnover,” lamented the 19-year-old.
UST have been putting up good games, but even Coach Boy Sablan knows that the time will come when it’s not just going to be a good game, but a good win.
“Binibigay yan sa tamang panahon.
“Hindi natin alam kung kailan pero darating rin yan,” the second-year UST mentor shared. “Happy ako sa team kahit ganun, we are fighting ’till the end, medyo kapos lang.”
With two tough games left in the first round, against the De La Salle University and Far Eastern University, Sta. Ana has faith that his team will finally enter the winning column.
“Kami naman kasi hindi nawawalan ng pag asa.”
