UAAP: UP, aiming to extend streak vs. UST

AFTER overcoming a 22-point deficit in their previous game, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons are looking for their sixth consecutive win in the first round of the UAAP Season 87. 

The Fighting Maroons, who have an unblemished 5-0 record, will aim to extend their winning streak this afternoon when they face the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, who are hungry for a win.

UST is emerging as one of the season’s favorite dark horses, currently third in the first round standings with a 3-2 record. Hoping to overcome the struggles of their developing squad in España for the past seasons.

On the other hand, UP has been dominant for the past two seasons but has yet to win a championship again. A new breed of players has been carrying the squad, proving to be the season’s juggernaut.

With both teams having distinct goals and points to prove this season, their 4:30 pm. matchup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today sets up a highly anticipated tale.

Still not perfect

Despite UP’s standing as the top seed, game breaks will happen from time to time. One of these came during their game against Adamson, when they fought back from a big deficit to win by double digits.

For a talented squad like the Fighting Maroons, head coach Goldwin Monteverde believes that the key is for the team to buy into the system and put in more effort on defense.

“Napag-usapan na just stick with the game plan, work as a team, look for better shots, but at the same time defensively we need to work for it,” said Goldwin on how they turned their previous game around. 

“As a team, usually we talk about how we respond sa challenges. Alam naman natin sa UAAP walang team na dapat pabayaan, all the teams here are well coached. But sometimes, games like this will happen.”

Monteverde also emphasized that this is only the starting point of the season and that the team should not be complacent, especially when facing a team like the Growling Tigers.

“Knowing UST, compared to last year, they now have a good program, definitely they are better now. They have the materials to really compete. Paghahandaan naming mabuti,” added coach Monteverde on UST.

Hungrier Tigers

Unlike the UP-AdU game, UST suffered a crushing 67-88 defeat at the hands of the defending champions, DLSU Green Archers. Following a tight competition during the first half, the lead grew before the game ended.

However, Growling Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio will always bet on his players, giving them full credit when the team wins and holding everyone, including the coaches, accountable when the team loses.

“It’s all about the players. Sa akin guidance lang kami sa mga players, sila ‘yung nagpapanalo ng game. It’s a total team effort, coming from the coaches [to the players],” said Jarencio.

A lot is at stake in today’s game, with UP hoping to retain their perfect record and UST hoping to get back on the winning track. Will the Fighting Maroons continue their winning streak, or will the Growling Tigers be the first to break it?