Facing his former school University of Santo Tomas, brought a wave of emotions for Royce Mantua, now a forward for Adamson University.
However, the 22-year-old Fil-Australian showed remarkable composure as he played a pivotal role in the Soaring Falcons’ third-quarter surge over the Growling Tigers.
Thanks to that, Adamson secured its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament, 69-56.
Coming off a disappointing performance in Adamson’s 30-point loss to reigning champion De La Salle University, Mantua bounced back with determination.
Mantua contributed 11 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting, along with two rebounds.
In the previous game against the Green Archers, he struggled, finishing with just two points on 1-of-4 shooting.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“For me, it’s like any other opponent, but definitely there’s a little bit of emotions,” Mantua admitted.
“But obviously, I gotta hide that to play with the team and play good right now. It’s more on our goal than just my role.”
Mantua’s emotions were heightened not only because he was playing against his former teammates, but also due to his desire to help Adamson clinch their first victory of the season after an 0-2 start.
Facing his ex-teammates at UST gave him extra motivation.
Mantua spent two seasons with the Growling Tigers, a stint highlighted by a 3×3 championship in Season 84.
There, he played alongside now Tigers captain Nic Cabañero, Rain or Shine forward Sherwin Concepcion, and Converge big man Bryan Santos.
In his lone season with UST’s 5-on-5 team, Mantua averaged 3.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists, shooting at just 25.5-percent.
The Growling Tigers finished with a 1-13 record, tying their worst in school history.
(C) UAAP Season 85 Media Team
“Yeah for sure, definitely playing against my old teammates as well. I also gotta hide my emotions. It does motivate me that I played against my old team, but I’m just happy we got the win,” Mantua shared.
He remains focused on the bigger picture – securing the win for Adamson.
Now in his first season with the Soaring Falcons, Mantua had nothing but praise for the unselfish play style instilled by head coach Nash Racela.
Adamson improved significantly in their ball movement, recording 20 assists in their victory over UST, nearly doubling the 11 assists they managed in their loss to La Salle.
“It’s very very good. With everyone, ball movement, knowing what to do with the ball – knowing when to move without the ball too – also gives us opportunities. It feels well with everyone,” Mantua said.
