UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas can celebrate its stunning 74-64 victory over Ateneo last Wednesday, but not for long.
As far as coach Pido Jarencio is concerned, the Espana-based squad has a long way to go. Contending for the crown in the 87th UAAP men’s basketball tournament won’t be easy.
“Malayo pa ito. Two games sa first round, may second round pa ito. Pero kahit papano nakakakuha na kami ng panalo. Nakakapondo na para pagdating ng second round, mas lalong magbabakbakan. At least nakapondo na tayo ng panalo. Basta ang goal namin is one game at a time, makapasok ng final four. Iyon muna kami,” Jarencio said.
The team’s latest win was UST’s first over Ateneo in the league since September 26, 2015, snapping an overall 15-game losing streak against the Eagles. It gave the Growling Tigers a share of the early lead with defending champion De La Salle U at 2-0.
Jarencio, 60, said UST is slowly establishing its identity as a team not to be taken lightly.
“Itong team na to, nag-eestablish kami, ini-establish namin sarili namin na magkaron ng identity. Kasi kapag hindi ka nananalo, wala kang identity. Pero sa ngayon, nananalo kami, we’re doing well du’n sa sistemang pinasok naming,” he said.
Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero took charge against the Eagles, getting valuable help from Gelo Crisostomo, Mo Tounkara, and Mark Llemit.
“Forthsky is the leader. Kaya medyo na-establish na namin (identity). Nagkakaron na ng ngipin iyong team,” Jarencio said.
“Basta importante, focus sa practice, focus dun sa physical na aspect. Mental and physical, dapat mag-focus du’n. And then, we stay humble lang. Stay on the ground lang. Basta kami, ang utak namin, wala pa kaming na-achieve. Nanalo kami ng two games, part ng growing up para masabing matibay na team ka, magaling kang team,” he added.
Up next for the team are the Soaring Falcons of Adamson this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Adamson is a well-coached team. Maganda rin ‘yung sistema. They have players. We cannot take them for granted. Lahat ng teams dito sa UAAP, 1-1, sila pero alam mo, any time of the day pag biglang pumutok iyan…,” the former PBA coach said.
“Ang focus namin is iyong game against Adamson na. After this game (against Ateneo), wala na, tapos na to. Past is past. Look forward na tayo. Ganon kami, iyon ang utak namin.”
