University of Santo Tomas had been in a funk heading to its game against National University Nazareth School last Sunday.
The Tiger Cubs were reeling from defeats at the hands of the UE Junior Warriors and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Standing in their way were the Bullpups – the second-hottest team in the league led by leading MVP candidate Collins Akowe.
Playing with a sense of urgency, it was pint-sized guard Lanze Ronquillo who took charge for the Tiger Cubs.
The 5-foot-6 former San Beda Red Cub tallied 15 points and six assists, steering UST to an 85-78 win to take solo third entering the second round.
For the 18-year-old guard, it was about stepping up.
“Lagi sinasabi sa akin ng coach namin (Manu Inigo) na mag-focus sa defense at mag-create para sa teammates ko,” he said.
“Masaya ako dahil sa six assists ko. Kung masaya sila, masaya lalo ako.”
Physical was the game that saw 52 fouls called – majority of which were whistled in the second round.
“Talagang pinipisikal din nila ako kaya sinasabi ko na lang sa teammates ko na huwag magpaapekto at laruin lang laro nila,” shared Wacky Ludovide, who tallied 17 points on four triples with three assists and a steal.
And it was Ronquillo who steadied the ship.
Now entering the second round, Inigo is setting lofty goals for the Tiger Cubs.
“We know it won’t be easy, but goal talaga namin is maka-Final Four,” he said.
