Olympians bow to the UST Tigers

Maclean Sabellina and Jerick Teng jockey for position

After adjusting their defense, being patient on offense and increasing their intensity, the UST Growling Tigers found the right mix to finally break open a close game and beat the STI College Olympians 100 - 83. The Olympians fought tooth and nail with the Tigers and would not budge under pressure as their reliables Martin Antonio, Maclean Sabellina and Macky Macabasco together with newbies Jerald Bautista and hit their shots to keep the Olympians

Khasim Mirza reads the defense

The Olympians have always brought out their best when they face the Growling Tigers. The Tigers on the other has not forgotten their Champions League loss to the Olympians two years ago that put them on fourth place. The new look Tigers have many veterans gone from their team and are looking to rebuild on the final year of Dylan Ababou. Gone are 2006 MVP Jervy Cruz, Badong Canlas, Japs Cuan, Chester Taylor and Francis Allera who were all vital cogs in their 2006 Title romp. Notable new additions include former Letran Squire Darrel Green and Xavier Hotshot Jerrick Teng. The team is flat, a lot of 6'3's and 6'4's as forwards but no center bigger than those heights mentioned. So speed is an important component on their part.

Martin Antonio cans a free throw

Martin Antonio had a field day as his inside plays netted him a lot of points as he led the charge of the Olympians. The Lean machine, Maclean Sabellina was also an offensive and defensive demon as he guarded the shaded lane with utmost loyalty and blocked at least four Tiger offensive jousts. The Tiger guards where more intense than the Olympian guards. Jeric Fortuna and Tata Bautista showed that their Freshman act last year is due to unfold its next chapter this year and are rarin to improve on their credible debut.

Maclean Sabellina with an in your face block

over Khasim Mirza

Coach Pido Jarencio was fuming mad when his big guys could not contain the Olympians. He then sent a message to his team by putting in an all his guards who responded with a 10-0 blast in the first 3 minutes of the game, the result an 18 point lead for the Tigers. The Olympians had a hard time matching the defensive intensity that the Tigers gave them as their half court trap produced turnovers and points for the Tigers.

Rookie Jerald Bautista scores on a lay up

Compared to how they played a few months back the Olympians are slowly gaining ground and executing well. Unfortunately, this young team still needs maturity and consistency in executing their plays and reacting to the defense of their opponent. Again, the Olympians need tons of tune up games to gel. On to the next game.