COACH Boy Sablan is upbeat of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers as they try to bounce back when they face the University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m. Saturday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
By this time, the team should have overcome their opening-day jitters, and after they took a 69-73 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Sunday.
Most of the players, who were mostly playing off the bench last year, are just starting to get used to their new roles as regular, Sablan explained.
“Practically, kalahati sa 12 na ginamit ko, bench players. Halos ngayon lang sila nagkaroon ng playing time at hindi naman sila regular na ginamit last year para sabihin mong beterano,” said Sablan.
During their match with Ateneo, Blue Eagle cagers Thirdy Ravena and Aaron Black sparked a decisive 14-2 run to start the final period for the Blue Eagles.
Louie Vigil showed the way for UST with 21 points, while Jan Macasaet made 12 for the Growling Tigers, who put up a stand in the end.
The Warriors, who drew 18 points from rookie Edison Batiller, are also seeking to recover from their 66-72 setback to the National University Bulldogs.
Later, La Salle Green Archers, who got a game-high 28 points from Jeron Teng when they turned back the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 83-78, clash with University of the Philippines at 4 p.m.
Games Today
(Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. UE vs UST
4 p.m. UP vs La Salle