UST coach Haydee Ong. UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses should not be ashamed despite their meltdown in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball Finals, at least according to coach Haydee Ong.
The Growling Tigresses, who led by as many as 14 points, succumbed to the rallying National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 72-71, on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Ong said they actually made the endgame play for Tacky Tacatac, who had to shoot from beyond the arc—although they could have won it all with an inside make. Kent Pastrana, who tried to make the play in the dying seconds, was then well-defended by Camille Clarin.
READ: NU women complete comeback over UST to take Game 1
During those moments, NU was leading by one, 72-71, which eventually turned out to be the final score.
"Nothing to be ashamed of," said Ong. "Breaks of the game, 'yung last play namin was really made for Tacky. It was a good shot. Unfortunately, nag-miss kami. It's a good miss. Nothing to be ashamed of."
The Pastrana-led squad forced a total of 31 turnovers on the Lady Bulldogs—which did not stay unnoticed. They also converted 30 points from those NU errors.
READ: UAAP: UST women try to dent NU's perfect slate as Finals start
"I think 'yung pride namin sa UST is to play individual and team defense," said Ong.
The UAAP champion coach said she remains proud of the girls although they absorbed the loss: "The girls did very well and I'm so proud of them. Balik kami uli, Game 2. Hopefully, manalo kami."
All in UST's mind will be bouncing back in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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