FAR Eastern University coach Shaq de los Santos shrugged off criticism about the Lady Tamaraws imitating the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ meditation between sets.
FEU survived a five-set knockout match against University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at the MOA Arena for the last spot in the stepladder semifinals.
[See FEU Lady Tamaraws secure spot in stepladder semis with five-set win in KO match against UST Tigresses]
But also gaining some attention was the way the Lady Tamaraws spent the breaks between sets, pretty much like the Ateneo Lady Eagles in tough situations, only with their heads covered with their jackets.
Ateneo Thai coach Tai Bundit last season taught the Lady Eagles to use meditation to calm themselves during crucial matches.
Check out the UAAP images from last season’s title series
De los Santos said he introduced meditation during the elimination round although players were hesitant at first.
“Ginagawa ko naman talaga siya before hindi pa nga lang ganoon ang acceptance ng mga bata,” he said.
They were criticized on social media during and after the match, with fans saying that FEU imitated Ateneo’s style, but De los Santos says he does not mind at all as long as it works.
“Wala akong pakialam sa mga nagsasabi na nanggaya daw kami basta ba makakatulong sa team, bakit hindi?” he said.
The Lady Tamaraws were applauded for their effort, although several netizens noted it wasn't original.
FEU faces third-seeded National University in the first match of the step ladder phase on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
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