Reaching the stepladder semifinals is a big improvement for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers over the last six years.
Growling Tigers coach Aldin Ayo felt this after UST held off the Adamson Falcons, 80-74, last week and claimed the last seat in the semis of the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
The Growling Tigers finished the elimination round with an 8-6 win-loss record, which was better than their 5-9 slate that put them in sixth spot last year.
“Mababa lang naman expectation namin. We won five games last season. So, kung manalo kami ng anim that’s an accomplishment already. At least di ba, may improvement because you’re talking about a young program here,” said Ayo.
UST has not reached the Final Four since 2013 when the fourth seeded Growling Tigers fought off the National Bulldogs to barge into the finals.
The La Salle Green Archers eventually won the crown that year.
This time, UST is again the fourth seeded squad. They will take on the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the start of the stepladder semis this Wednesday.
“Since we won eight, may tatlong naidadagdag. OK na yun. But, of course, we’re not gonna stop there because this is a competition. We’re going to strive,” said Ayo.
Against the Bulldogs, it was Mark Nonoy who made up for a sloppy game when he finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Soulemane Chabi Yo added 16 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks while Rhenz Abando and Renzo Subido chipped in 13 and 12 respectively.
“I put Mark on a very crucial situation because knowing him. I know that he was cocky enough to take those shots, make those shots. Knowing him he’s just going to play basketball without realizing the magnitude of the situation,” said Ayo.