LA Salle may have won the battle, but University of Santo Tomas feels like the war is yet to come.
And though the Growling Tigers succumbed to the Green Archers, 88-67, on Sunday, the Espana side is still feeling positive after being able to show off just a glimpse of what’s next.
READ: La Salle runs away from UST in second half to rise to 5-1
Rookies Amiel Acido and Zain Mahmood made great accounts of themselves in their time on the floor at Smart Araneta Coliseum, a preview of the bright future in UST.
“Ito yung time na hinihintay namin, na mabigyan lang kami ng opportunity na maipakita yung galing namin, kaya thankful lang kami sa coaches and hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy yung ganoon,” said the 6-foot-3 Acido.
Mahmood added: “As much as we have our vets and the guys who get the job done, I feel like it just shows the bright future in UST. We got a lot of seniors this year, but we got to show a sneak peek in the third quarter lineup and the other different guys we have.”
Without really anything to lose, coach Pido Jarencio took a gamble in parading his young wards in the third period and for a time, it paid dividends as the Growling Tigers kept in step with the Green Archers.
Acido had his best game to date with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, to go with three rebounds and one assist.
“I’m very happy kasi unti-unti ko nang nakukuha yung rhythm ko at unti-unti na akong nakakatulong sa team ko. In-expect nila sa akin na maka-contribute lalo na sa teammates ko kaya masaya na ako sa nangyayari,” said the NCAA Season 99 Juniors MVP from Perpetual.
Mahmood, on the other hand, took full advantage of the foul woes of bigs Mo Tounkara and Christian Manaytay, as he saw action for eight minutes and grabbed two rebounds while battling the likes of Michael Phillips and Kevin Quiambao down low.
“I’ve been waiting for it, just giving my all in practice, and I was happy to be out there contributing,” said the former 6-foot-7 Gilas Pilipinas Youth player. “As much as [the La Salle bigs are] good, I know I’m just as competent."
"I acknowledge how good they are, but at the same time, I know that’s just another person in front of me. There’s no reason to be afraid and be scared. I just got to be myself and go hard every day and do what I try to do.”
But wait, there's more for resurgent Tigers
But it’s not just the two.
Sophomore Mark Llemit and transferees Ice Danting and Geremy Robinson all had their moments against La Salle as well – all of which point to the promising youth revolution for the black-and-gold.
And they promise that it’s not just gonna be a one time thing, as they’re determined to bring back UST's golden age.
“'Pag binigyan ako ng chance and opportunity, ibibigay ko yung best ko para maka-contribute sa team,” said Acido.
Mahmood was more definitive in saying: “I think it’s just a matter of time for UST to be a constant Final Four contender and always be on the map. I can say UST is back. It’s all I want to say.”
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