As its campaign in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament hit a two-game skid, University of Santo Tomas knew it needed to regroup and refocus to get back on track before the end of the first round.
Thankfully for the Tiger Cubs, they were able to do just that, thanks to the support of their generous benefactors who stepped in to help last year’s finalists return to winning ways.
The team stayed at the Strong Group Farm in Batangas from Saturday to Sunday evening last week.
“Parang team bonding lang sa Batangas sa SGA farm,” said UST coach Noli Mejos after their 84-73 win over Ateneo de Manila University at the newly-renovated Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday. “Para lang mag kaunting usap, kwentuhan, enjoy, para mawala lang kaunti sa stress sa sports. Tinulungan kami ni boss Frank Lao.
“Itong ngayong statement, sabi ko nga pag natalo tayo dito, patay na tayo hanggang matapos tong first round. Kailangan may statement tayo ngayon. Lahat ng management namin, sila Fr. Rodel (Cansancio) tinulungan kami para makapag-recover. Yung mga managers namin, SGA at yung ibang managers namin, ginawan ng paraan para makapag kaunting relax.”
Indeed, when things get tough, the best teams find ways to pull together rather than let setbacks divide them.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Tiger Cubs made the most of their stay, not only enjoying each other’s company but also using the serene environment—and its available court—to refocus and prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
As UST standout Miguel Jubilado attested, it was a retreat he and his teammates needed at exactly the right time.
“Masaya po kasi nagkaroon ng chemistry, tuwa-tuwaan. Meron din po kaming ensayo din po. Talagang walang excuses po para sa mga laro,” said Jubilado, who led the Tiger Cubs with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in 38 minutes and 21 seconds on the floor.
Now with a 3-2 record, UST knows the road will only get tougher as it aims to complete a redemption campaign this Season 88. Up next are Far Eastern University-Diliman and Adamson University to close out the first round.
Vacation is truly over for the Tiger Cubs, and the pressure is on to build on their win over the Blue Eagles by also overcoming the Baby Tamaraws and Baby Falcons, currently holding Final Four spots, to gain momentum for the second round.
“Masasabi ko lang doon ay ensayo lang ulit kasi galing kami sa dalawang talo po,” said Jubilado.
“Kailangan namin mag step-up po para sa dalawang natitirang kalaban — lalo na po kasi FEU at Adamson.”
