The UST Golden Tigresses are back to their winning ways after a five-set comeback against the Adamson Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 87.
Consider UST head coach Kungfu Reyes relieved as the Golden Tigresses finally found a breakthrough after a three-game losing streak in the middle of UAAP Season 87, as they barged back into the win column against the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
In danger of falling behind in the Top 4 of the standings, Reyes was adamant that the team understand the gravity of their game against the San Marcelino squad. That is, it is high time for the Golden Tigresses to finally get back on their feet.
Despite a big game from Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura, where she finished with 36 points, UST were able to lean on the more experienced duo of Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado to supply the offense.
[RELATED: UAAP: UST repulse Shaina Nitura, Adamson in five-setter to snap three-game losing streak]
After the game, Reyes reflected on the team’s ability to get themselves out of the hump.
“Talagang malaking bagay itong panalo na to kasi nga, bilang nire-remind namin sa kanila--ang laki ng mawawala samin if matatalo kami ngayong game na 'to,” said Reyes, as a loss would’ve put them level with the UP Fighting Maroons--who are at 5-5.
“Nung narinig nila 'yun, nag-respond na sila sa kung ano 'yung ibig namin sabihin. Then nakapag-execute na kami, and then we keep trying hanggang maging success 'yung atake namin, especially nung fourth set.”
With no shortage of competent hitters, Reyes believed that it was just a matter of maturing when it comes to the Golden Tigresses' emotions and decision-making that was lacking in UST’s tough stretch — as evidenced by their close losses. This time around, it was a different outcome.
“Andoon parin 'yung drive na kailangan bumawi. 'Yun naman 'yung pinaka-importante na nakukuha ng team as of the moment. So 'yung maturity, decision-making, andiyan na, and hopefully yung consistency ng game namin, makuha namin,” said Reyes.
More than just the standings, the head coach also underscored the importance of finally getting their confidence back, which will be crucial at this point as teams jockey for position with about four games remaining for each team in eliminations.
“Talagang medyo mabigat ang pakiramdam kasi nga we’re losing a set dito sa larong ito. Pero, fortunately, na-overcome namin 'yung mga excess baggage na bitbit ng mga bata, kasi nago-overthink na somehow,” said Reyes.
“Nagiging stiff na and bumalik lang ulit sila kung anong meron kami. So, very thankful nga at nakuha namin at nabreak namin yung three-game losing streak namin,” he added.
Up next for the UST Golden Tigresses are a desperate Ateneo Blue Eagles team, who will be fighting for Final Four contention as they tussle on Saturday, April 5, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.