Foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa has introduced herself as a pivotal part of UST’s bid for redemption in UAAP Season 88.
The UST Growling Tigresses began their bid for redemption on a strong note over the weekend as they drubbed the DLSU Lady Archers in a 49-point beatdown, 105-56, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in their opening match of UAAP Season 88.
A key cog in the victory was foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa as she quickly established herself as a threat inside the paint. In her first UAAP game, Onianwa finished with 15 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block.
She was a whopping +38 in efficiency as well.
After the match, UST veteran Kent Pastrana heaped praise on her teammate.
“Of course, malaking tulong talaga si Oma samin this season. Kasi yun nga, unlike before na wala talaga kami masyadong big man. Yung performance ni Oma, sobrang nagimprove talaga siya mula nung dumating siya samin,” Pastrana said.
“Of course, maasahan namin siya sa ilalim, sa rebounds, and of course sa assists. So we’re very thankful na pinili kami ni Oma, and of course, strength in motion nga yung sinasabi.” she added.
Having long been one of the go-to scorers for UST, Pastrana is able to take the backseat at times, thanks to the dominance of Onianwa.
At the same time, Pastrana is happy that their newest teammate is able to live up to the billing and deal with the pressure.
“Thankful lang din ako kasi pag pinapasahan namin siya, yung kumpyansa niya sa sarili niya, pinapakita niya talaga na kaya niya.” she said.
Credit deflected
Even as her teammates rallied behind her, Onianwa wasn’t one to hog the spotlight.
Joining one of the most successful programs in UAAP women’s basketball, Onianwa said that she is just as thankful to her teammates for leading her into a good start to her career in the league.
Surrounded by fellow talented teammates like Pastrana, former UAPA MVP Eka Soriano, and other young stars like Karylle Sierba, CJ Maglupay, and Barby Dajao, Onianwa doesn’t have a shortage of talented companions.
“First of all, I would say it’s not just all about me. I have my teammates on the court, the coaches are there. They help me in every way. So regardless of the pressure, I still have to remember who I am.” she said.
Onianwa will be in for a challenge in her next game as she hopes to lead the Growling Tigresses to victory against rivals NU Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, October 1, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
This will be UST’s first meeting against NU in the UAAP since relinquishing the women’s basketball title last season.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.