FROM Red Warriors to “Real Warriors,” University of the East is fast proving it has what it takes in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament–at least after the first round.
“Ever since sinabi ko sa mga bata na ito iyong batch namin ng team na I think and I honestly believe na we can beat other teams,” UE coach Jack Santiago said. “So, it so happened that we had two setbacks, first two games namin. But ako, naniniwala pa rin ako na kaya ng mga players ko and maybe ang pinakamagandang nangyari sa amin was when we played against the No. 1 team.
“Luckily, we beat them. So, naramdaman na nila na kaya pala namin. So, mula noon trabaho lang kami and we challenged every challenge na darating sa amin,” he added.
Santiago spoke after his wards hacked out a gripping 63-62 squeaker over Adamson University on Wello Lingolingo’s buzzer-beating jumper last Sunday.
It was a much-needed win for the Warriors, who rose to 5-2 for solo third.
“Before we entered the gym, ini-explain ko lang sa mga boys iyong magiging scenario kapag nanalo kami. Hopefully mag-end up kami worst is No. 3, or maybe No. 2,” Santiago said. “Ini-explain ko rin sa kanila na kung matatalo kami, we’ll be ending up at No. 5.
“So iyon ang mga scenario so sinabi ko sa kanila na after the game, nanalo na kami, na-achieve na namin everything, 5-2.”
The Warriors will open their second-round campaign against defending champion La Salle on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE scored a 75-71 triumph over the Green Archers when they first met last Sept. 22.
Santiago hopes the inspiring support of the Recto faithful can galvanize them ever more.
“I gathered the team and isa lang iyong sinabi ko sa kanila, na look at the crowd. Look at the UE community supporting us even ngayong Sunday, dapat nasa family nila iyang mga iyan,” Santiago said. “So, I’m so happy lang with the boys kasi they responded very well, and we really dedicate this game to the school community na alam namin they spend money just to buy tickets.
“So, talagang very thankful kami and this for you guys.”
To hit a long-cherished goal–a first title since 1985, the Warriors should listen to Santiago.
“But sabi ko by next game, 0-0 ulit kami,” he said. “So, hindi kami magre-relax, 0-0 pa rin come the second round.”
