Odjie Mamon believes that University of Santo Tomas is finally catching up to defending champion National University.
UST picked up a massive win on Sunday, scoring a 25-23, 26-24, 25-19 debut win over the Bulldogs.
And that snapped their 34-game winning streak in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
While NU missed the services of sophomore star Michaelo Buddin in their much-anticipated match-up, Mamon is confident that his Golden Spikers are almost at par – if not completely – with the four-peat-seeking Bulldogs.
“They are understaffed right now, undermanned. One of their pillar, yung scorer nila si Buddin is sidelined. But even though nandiyan si Buddin, I think maganda yung laban namain. Breaks of the game, kung sino yung patient would come on top,” explained Mamon.
“Kumbaga ba, hindi na kami naiiwan unlike yung previous years. Now we can go neck and neck against them,” he added.
With the season still in its first two days, Mamon didn’t put much weight on the win over the defending champions. Nevertheless, the former national team coach believes that his squad is standing on the right track moving forward.
“I think we’re on the right track. Mahaba yung UAAP eh, dalawang rounds and they have the Final Four bago pa yung championship, so maraming mangyayari in those three months pero we have a good program I think and players are responding well,” said Mamon.
“Ang ini-instill ko lang sa kanila yung disiplina saka yung patience so nakita natin ‘to ngayon. I pray na mag tuluy-tuloy,” he added.
Reigning UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez took charge with a team-high 13 points along with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Jay Rack Dela Noche and Edlyn Colinares added nine markers each.
Rainer Flor scored eight points while Gboy Dela Vega had six markers and 16 excellent receptions.
Mamon said that he is very happy with how his team responded to their game plan against the Bulldogs. He hopes that the team can sustain their momentum in the games to come.
“I’m very happy that the team responded to our preparation. They responded well so masaya.”
