The UST Growling Tigresses aren’t about to rest on their laurels after going undefeated through 11 games in UAAP Season 88.
The UST Growling Tigresses won’t be caught lacking as they lead all teams in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament, going undefeated in Season 88 through 11 games in the elimination round.
Even as they emerge as the top performers with their wins coming via blowouts, UST doesn’t feel confident enough to call themselves the team to beat.
Drawing strength from last season’s finals loss, the Growling Tigresses are as lethal as ever. Most recently, they handed the UE Lady Warriors a resounding 75-point beating, 125-50, in their second round encounter on Wednesday.
Having clinched at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat semis bonus, the Growling Tigresses remain on their toes.
Assistant coach Ged Austria said that the key to staying hot stemmed from their preparation and how everything has been building up for UST’s run to the title.
“We've gone through a lot of heartbreaks… lalo na last year. So it's not just one year na mukha kaming dominant. Well, everybody is saying that. Pero of course, previous years, ang gold standard kasi NU, di ba? 7-peat sila,” Austria said after the match vs. UE.
“Since everyone's saying dominant kami, we don't want to look at it that way, na kami 'yung nasa top. Kasi hindi naman kami defending champion this season. So technically, kami pa rin 'yung nagahabol.”
Against UE, it did look that way as the Growling Tigresses continued to pummel the listless Lady Warriors.
Even individually, it didn’t look like there was any slacking on the part of UST as veteran player Kent Pastrana churned out a career-high 35-point performance to tow the Growling Tigresses to victory.
Eyes on the journey
Still, with three games remaining in the elimination round and a shot at an outright finals berth should they sweep the elimination round, Austria underscored the need to focus on what’s in front of them rather than counting the days ‘til they win the championship.
Eager to bounce back from a finals loss against the NU Lady Bulldogs last year, the Growling Tigresses must first face the music of getting through the nitty gritty.
“We have that goal, but at the same time, gusto namin to stick to the process. So whatever happens sa results, ang sinasabi namin, ang pinipreach namin sa players, don't think about [it].. we have a goal, but don't think about the results,” said Austria.
“Just think about the task at hand. Tapos tiwala sa sarili and sa teammates, sa coaches, to everyone. And once you believe, and then you do that process, the results will take care of itself,” he continued.
The Growling Tigresses will need to proceed cautiously as they face a capable opponent in reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa and the Ateneo Blue Eagles next on Saturday, November 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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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.