By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Santo Tomas is back on the winning track after enduring a two-game losing streak in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The Growling Tigers gave credit to their ball movement, which has improved and played a pivotal role in their campaign so far, including their 83-72 victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws last Saturday, Oct. 5.
“I think yun talaga ang key sa game namin kasi the past two games our assists and turnover rate masyadong mataas eh,” said Forthsky Padrigao. “We needed to make some adjustments and we were at our best when we’re sharing the ball.”
The difference was clearly evident as the España-based squad became more careful with the ball against FEU, managing only to commit seven turnovers compared to 16 and 24 they had against La Salle and UP, respectively.
But for Mo Tounkara, Padrigao was one of the factors that continue to fuel their hopes of earning a Final Four ticket once again.
“Today, we’re able to put all the effort there, to share the ball and keep playing as a team and we have an amazing point guard (Forthsky Padrigao),” said Tounkara, who went superb with 21 points and 17 rebounds.
“He’s doing a great job and we’re gonna just keep preparing and we know it’s going to be tougher than the first. I believed in myself and my teammates that we’re going to keep it up,” he added.
Padrigao, who registered 14 points, shone anew for the Growling Tigers after hitting timely baskets when it mattered most and listing 11 out of 18 assists.
UST actually surpassed its winning record from the past two editions where it only tallied three wins.
With the Tigers returning into the winning column, Padrigao is hoping that it could boost them for better days in the next round.
“Masaya lang talaga na nakuha namin ‘yong panalo kasi galing kami sa dalawang talo sa top teams,” Padrigao said.
“And to get this win, talagang masaya lang kasi hopefully makuha namiin ‘yong momentum namin from this win all the way to the second round,” he added.
After concluding its first round stint with a 4-3 win-loss card, UST will have a week-long rest before plunging into action in the second stage set next weekend.
