Ni: Marivic Awitan

BUMALIKWAS ang University of Santo Tomas buhat sa kanilang mabagal na panimula upang mapataob ang De La Salle University, 68-56, sa UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tournament kahapon sa NOA Arena.

Ngunit, sa kabila ng tagumpay, hindi naitago ni coach Haydee Ong ang pagkadismaya sa ipinakitang laro ng Tigresses.

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May nalalabi na lamang 49 segundo at natapyas ng La Salle ang kanilang 19 na puntos na bentahe sa siyam matapos ang dalawang free throws ni Joehanna Arciga, nabasag ng dating head coach ng national women’s basketball team ang gamit nilang whiteboard sanhi ng nararamdamang ngitngit.

“In the last quarter, I was very disappointed that we gave up a lot of free throws and offensive rebounds to La Salle. If the game was close, I don’t know what will happen,” pahayag ni Ong. “I was just airing my frustration to the girls, I want them to finish strong all the time.”

Mula doon, tila natauhan ang Growling Tigresses at nagawa nilang mapigil ang Lady Archers.

“We had two stops after that so I think they got the message,” ayon pa kay Ong.

Dahil sa panalo, umangat ang UST sa barahang 8-1, kasabay ng pagpapalawig sa naitalang winning run hanggang anim na laro habang ibinaba nila ang Lady Archers sa 2-6 karta.

Nanguna sa nasabing panalo si Anjel Anies na nagposte ng all around performance na kinabibilangan ng 15 puntos, walong rebounds, apat assists, at limang steals.

“Jhenn [Angeles] is scouted na, most of the teams are giving her a difficult time even touching the ball. I told Anjel that she has to step up, also the other guards,” paliwanag ni Ong patungkol sa kanilang beteranang gunner na tumapos na may 14-puntos.

Pinangunahan naman ni Arciga ang Lady Archers sa iniskor nyang 20 puntos at 16- rebounds.