The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers entered Saturday afternoon on a five-game skid, the second-worst losing stretch of the season.
Going into their game against the National University Bulldogs, the Growling Tigers had been shooting a 35.4 percent clip – the second worst in the league behind the University of the East Red Warriors. Moreover, they were coming off the worst combined field goal shooting of the season last Wednesday.
Against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the season hosts could not buy a basket. King Tiger Louie Vigil led the Tigers during the game with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting. Marvin Lee and Jeepy Faundo added 12 and 10 markers respectively. However, as a team they shot a horrid 26 percent from the field.
Their defense was able to keep them within striking distance of the defending UAAP champions, but in basketball, keeping pace does not cut it: they fell 59-48 for their fifth straight loss.
“Talagang yung FEU game na yun, hindi lang kami talaga naka-convert,” lamented first year UST head coach Boy Sablan.
With an added focus on shooting drills and one-on-one exercises, the cagers from España entered Saturday’s game high on confidence. During the game, two Growling Tigers dropped their career-highs, as sophomore Marvin Lee had 22 points, knocking down five triples in the game, while senior Jon Sheriff added 19 markers on 9-of-14 shooting. In addition, UST shot above their usual average, at 38.89 percent.
Displaying the same defensive intensity they did against FEU but with a renewed focus on offense, the Growling Tigers were able to upset the NU Bulldogs to end their five-game slide.
“It’s all about team effort, team defense. Yun yung problema namin nung last five games. Nagtrabaho yung mga bata. Talagang gusto nila manalo at kaya nila dumepensa,” Sablan said. “Ganito na naman yung nangyari ngayon, maganda lang yung opensa. More shooting drills pa kami sa practices para hindi ulit mangyari yung sa FEU.”
“But this time maganda yung offense namin.”
Lee then added that his career outing was a fruit of their hard work.
“Sa akin surprised din ako kasi pumasok yung mga tira rin. Suwerte lang din at lumalabas yung pinaghirapan namin,” the former FEU Baby Tamaraw shared.
With five games remaining in their schedule, King Tiger Louie Vigil is making a vow that this won’t just be a one-hit wonder for them.
“I hope na next game, nandiyan pa rin yung consistency. Mahirap mahanap yun mas lalo na dito sa UAAP kasi mabilis mag-adjust yung other teams,” the 25-year-old Thomasian said.
“Pero we are confident na hindi lang ito one game.”
