The UAAP can be a tough place so much so that complacency can lead to one’s downfall and in UAAP Season 88, it’s the UST Growling Tigers that are getting a taste of that. 

The Growling Tigers surprised many with their strong start, beating last year’s finalists in the UP Fighting Maroons and the DLSU Green Archers. UST had a solid inside-out offense as Collins Akowe bullied his way for points, while the likes of Nic Cabanero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Kyle Paranada were dangerous threats from the perimeter. 

A 2-0 start eventually became a 5-2 record, giving the Growling Tigers solo second place halfway through Season 88.  It was the dream situation for UST, but they quickly learned how it can quickly turn into a nightmare. 

The Growling Tigers are currently on a four-game losing streak, dating back to their first-round ending loss to the Adamson Soaring Falcons. Apart from the Soaring Falcons, their last two defeats came from the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons, the same teams they beat at the start of UAAP Season 88. 

Losing to UP was particularly painful for UST, as they had a ton of opportunities that they failed to capitalize on (merits notwithstanding). The Growling Tigers missed 24 of their 52 free throw attempts and had a 14-9 offensive rebounding advantage against the Fighting Maroons. All those points UST left on the table could have spelled the difference between an inside track between the twice-to-beat advantage or missing out of the Final Four entirely because the Growling Tigers lost… by one point. 

Basketball is a game of inches and with six teams (out of eight) separated by fine margins, each victory counts. Of course, it starts with managing each possession and then winning each game and it all builds up to a championship… or not. UST has shown they are capable of stringing together a few stellar possessions and it helped them rise to the top of the standings early in UAAP Season 88. However it seems that opposing teams have studied the Growling Tigers’ tendencies and turned some of their perceived strengths (getting to the free throw line) into weaknesses (tons of missed free throws). 

UST must adjust and do so quickly, but they must focus on what remains their key strength: their effort in the paint. Akowe is clearly the focal point there, but their activity on the boards is a team effort. The Growling Tigers can continue to impose their will, not so much for the offensive rebounding, but in limiting their opponents’ possessions on offense. 

Assists will also be critical for UST. Their 16.8 assists per game is the third-highest in the UAAP and moving the ball around should ensure everyone gets rhythm and lessen the chances for a Hack-a-Akowe. Cabanero, Paranada, and Padrigao are willing passers, and that should help open up the paint for everyone to feast on. 

The UST Growling Tigers still have control of their Final Four destiny, but time is running out fast. Their peers have caught up to them and there’s some level of panic within the Thomasian community. The fate of the Growling Tigers lies in their ability to respond and how they control and manage the paint they have dominated thus far in UAAP Season 88 will determine if they can heed their head coach’s words.