2011 UAAP Cheerdance Competition

It's been a bad UAAP cheerdance year for UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe as they finished 4th this year.
Just when you thought na kayang bawiin ng Salinggawi ang korona after 4 year title drought during UST's 400th year celebration, dun pa napunta sa 4th place. I actually hate number 4 now! :(


I am all HANDS and FEET up for UP Pep Squad. They really nailed it this year and proved that they deserve to defend their title from last year's championship. FEU actually did, "so-so" hence it's fine to be placed 3rd but for UST having missed out on the top 3? That is not acceptable.


Okay, bitter na kung bitter.. but UST Salinggawi should be given the place rightful for their performance. I mean, it's not really the "WOW" and "OMG!" factor of performance, but compared to other teams.. they should have placed 2nd or 3rd. NOT 4TH!



Infairness to UST's flawless and clean routines, amazing stunts and props - they are still my favorite! And in order to give myself enough reason and justice for this blog post / rant of mine, I made a bit of analysis on why UST landed on the 4th spot and why they should have been on the top 3 instead.
Reasons why you just have to give UST the 2nd or the 1st place:-clean routines-crisp stunts and uniform movements (walang naliligaw or nagkakagulo during their performance)- cool props - the kind of props none of the other universities have used during the past years.- Who would have thought they can bring in UST's Main Building inside Araneta Coliseum? Plus the dominican priest at the end part was cool and fun as well!- Energetic cheerdancers, all out performance.NOTE: Please be guided that these reasons are the same reasons why UST should be in the position of the team who placed 2nd this year.
Reasons wht UST didn't win:-maybe the judges are a bit racist? Because of the cross thing in front of UST's costume - the judges might have some issues about it. Take note that the chosen judges are not here from the Philippines. If I'm not mistaken, most of them are from other countries who excelled in the field of gymnastics, dancing and the likes. (JUST AN OPINION)- UST's performance was honestly boring during the beginning. I myself was like "yun na yun?" but they nailed it on the end part.- Maybe the judges didn't get what the 400 at the end part meant. They should have researched or something. Judges might be a bit lost? (JUST AN OPINION)- The chosen music was not really cool. I don't like the music at all.- Salinggawi's movements are a bit slow. Not unlike UP which has the aggressiveness and "oomph" factor from beginning til end.
So okay, I'm having an open mind here and I can say that UST did a far better job last year than this year. I felt like they performed quite safely today - the aggressiveness and fast movements were all gone. How I wish the same old Salinggawi troupe will come back next year. The years where Non-Stop ice cream was still the sponsor, the years were Espana always has the glory. 
But with all these, UST should have won at least a place. I'm not contesting on UP's capabilities. They deserve to be on top. But for others, I just can't really say enough!

And the Issue goes on...

At the brighter side of things, I like this new UST Growling Tigers logo. I do hope I get to see this during the new season of UAAP. :)

Or maybe this one below. I don't really know which is which, but both are two-thumbs up!

But OH-OH!

Look at this one below. Some sort of plagiarism going on. I think this was used for a couple of years at UAAP during my stay as a college student. Oh well, I do believe they were able to sort things out about this one. 

Still, GO USTe! 

Tigers Peg Fourth Slot

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws let go in the middle quarters to have University of Santo Tomas formally advance into the stepladder series, the defending champions winning, 80-69, on September 17 at the Araneta Coliseum where the shrill of the crowd had the power of over 9000.
The Growling Tigers limited FEU to six points in the second quarter, while Dylan Ababou received the spheroid at the side for a three-point basket and largest deficit, 59-35, 2:50 of the third.

"Buhay na naman kami. Kapag gipitan, mas masarap manalo,"

remarked UST head coach Pido Jarencio.

"Ang Tigre mabagsik kapag playoff."

Jervy Cruz, who had the crowd chanting "MVP", showed his worth with 17 points, 5/11 at the field, 7/7 at the line, and 14 rebounds. Anthony Espiritu went for 12 markers, two assists, and two steals.

Ababou and Khasim Mirza had identical stats of 11 points, four boards, and a block. Japs Cuan had a near triple-double of eight markers, nine rebounds, eight feeds, and six turnovers.

Jarencio's driving force to his wards were, "Wala ng bukas. Ayaw ko pang mag-bakasyon."

Reil Cervantes was thrown out with 17 points on 7/11 shooting, nine caroms, and eight errors. Mac Baracael made 15, seven, and four feeds.

This is just the beginning of the struggle for the Tigers, who would next go against the loser of the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University tug of war for the twice-to-beat to be held on September 18 at the Big Dome on 3pm.

FEU surprised the hosts with a 14-7 boost to begin the hostilities, with Baracael putting it in, 4:56 of the first period.

Espiritu's quick reverse midway of the second gave UST the lead for good, 25-23, 5:20. The black and gold then limited the Tams scoreless for four and a half minutes, while they built a 39-25 halftime pad with Ababou credited for seven of the points in that 14-2 blast.

With the España-based squad controlling the third quadrant, Far Eastern went Custer in the final ten minutes, relying on the three-point shot for solace. The green and gold did manage to go within single digits with Paul Sanga's three at the corner coming from an Andy Barroca drive and dish, 66-75, 1:46

THE DREAM IS NOT YET DEAD

Staving off eligibility controversies and last second heartbreakers, the UST Growling Tigers ended all doubts about their ability to defend the crown as they mauled two of their last three assignments to muscle its way into the final spot in the step-ladder round of the UAAP Season 70 Basketball wars.

Due to the University of the East (UE) Red Warrior’s immaculate 14-0 record in the elimination round, they automatically enter the finals, an incentive given by the UAAP to a team that earns an immaculate slate.

As a result, instead of having the traditional Final Four format, a step ladder elimination round is employed wherein the third and fourth ranked team battle in a winner-take all match.

The second ranked squad meanwhile, will hold a twice to beat advantage and will take on the winner of the playoff between the third and fourth team.

The Growling Tigers, who now sport a 9-6 win-loss record, defeated the rookie-laden Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 80-69, in their rubber match last September 17 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers showed no fear in the do or die playoff game, burying the stigma caused by two previous defeats at the hands of their Morayta-based counterparts.

The España-based dribblers blew the game wide-open after they unleashed a 14-2 blast capped-off by a Dylan Ababou floater through the heart of the Tamaraw defense to give UST a 39-25 edge heading into halftime.

From there, the UST lead ballooned, going up to as much as 24 points, 59-35, midway into the third quarter.

But the tenacious Tamaraws refused to fade into oblivion as FEU forwards Paul Sanga and Marnel Baracael conspired in a 14-4 blast to whittle away the UST lead to mere nine points with 1:44 remaining in the game.

MVP candidate Jervy Cruz hit a pair of crucial free-throws to hammer in the final nail in the coffin on the Tamaraws’ title bid with less then a minute to go.

Tigers coach Pido Jarencio credits the mismatches created by his defensive play calling as the catalyst for the blow-out win.

“I mixed-up the defense in the second quarter which confused our opponents, they found it hard to score,” Jarencio told the Varsitarian.

“Our defensive pressure, in turn, created much better scoring opportunities for us.”

Slotman Cruz played another monster game, producing a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds to make-up for his poor showing in the previous game.

NO 6-PEAT FOR ‘GAWI, SETTLES FOR 2nd

Of all the colors in the Big Dome that day, maroon stood out.

The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe(SDT) failed to defend their UAAP Cheer Dance Competition championship title, as the University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad brought home the title this year with a 0.5 margin in the scores, during the dance-off last September 16 at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

SDT, with a ‘retro’-theme came second with 92.16 points. The 5-peat champions for this year was dethroned by the UP Pep Squad who garnered 92. 66 with their rock-themed cheer dance. The Far Eastern University Pep Squad (FEUPS) came third with 91.66 and bagged P69,000 as prize.

The Espana-based dance troupe, choreographed by Ryan Silva, won the championship title five-straight times from 2002 to 2006.

Champs UP Pep Squad grabbed the championship in 2001. This year, they won a trophy and the top prize of P172,500, aside from clenching the thirst of the championship title.

This is the UP Pep Squad’s 4th championship title, after their 3-peat from 1999-2001. UST-SDT already won eight titles since the Cheer Dance Competition was established in 1995.

The five other schools were ranked as: Ateneo de Manila University Blue Bubble Battalion - 4th; Adamson University Pep Squad -5th; University of the East Pep Squad – 6th; De La Salle University Pep Squad -7th; National University Pep Squad - 8th.

The cheer dance was judged according to choreography (50%), synchronization (30 %), audience audibility (10 %) and costume(10 %).

** I wasn't able to grab a ticket for today's cheerdance competition because, at the first place, I prefer to watch it on television so that I can be able to watch the stunts and pyramids clearly. The first to perform was DLSU followed by UP, FEU, NU, AdU, UST, UE and ADMU. I would like to credit them all because they had really done a great job. I really enjoyed watching each team and it's as if I'm watching a professional cheerdance competition. Sadly, hindi namin nakuha yung 6 peat!...6 years consecutive championship na sana kaya lang we just reached the 2nd spot. It isn't bad after all..pero syempre mas okei yung 1st place.

UP made it to the top. Hindi ko masyadong nagustuhan yung cheerdance nila kasi black and maroon yung color nila and then medyo magulo na sa end part. Pero, infairness, ganda ng opening part nila and unique yung mga stunts na ginawa nila. Sa part naman ng UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (STD), I love their performance...it's soo cute! Especially the yellow wig retro style part. But then there was an error during the first pyramid stunt of the group. Yung isang girl hindi niya nabalance yung sarili niya habang pabuo na ng pyramid, so hindi nacomplete yung stunt...nung nahulog nga yung girl, super sigawan yung mga students sa crowd. Then, medyo nakulangan din ako sa performance nila..much simpler compared to last year. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ganon, pero maganda parin. After ko mapanood yung sa UST nafeel ko agad na we can't be able to defend our title na...bye-bye 6 peat!

Luckily, we placed 2nd. I even thought na 3rd pa nga kami eh. Just come to think of it..may error na nga yung performance naka2nd place pa..kamusta naman yun? So, it means..magaling talaga! FEU placed 3rd. Actually, bet ko pa FEU kasi they look like penguins on their costumes and with their cheerdance. Kaya lang, hindi sila synchronize..medyo magulo, pero okei na rin.

After all what matters the most is that UST was almost there..0.5 point margin...a bit close, huh? Wait for next year and for sure STD will have the trophy again..(.^__^.)

UST vs. FEU 2nd round

University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers lose on the their crucial game against the Far Eastern University Tamarraws, 84-73, forcing a playoff for the fourth slot in the semifinals of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men's basketball tournament.

Tiger priced rookie Khasim Mirza registered 12 points in the game, including two from the three point country. Jervey Cruz, however, was not in his usual self when he only scored 13 points and missing 7 out 8 from the charity stripe.

The Espana-based ballers started the game stronger, even creating a three point lead, 9-6, but was later on shut with a 8-0 run from the Morayta cagers, consecutive baskets from Marnel Baracael, Riel Cervantes, and Aldrech Ramos. The first quarter ended 16-20, favoring the Tamarraws.

Layups from Dylan Ababou and Chester Taylor, and a three-pointer from Mirza brought the game into a dreadlock, 21-all, with under seven minutes left in the seconds quarter. The Tigers and the Tamarraws struggled for the baskets, as they created three more dreadlocks in the quarter.

However, baskets from Baracael, Paul Sanga, and Sanny Abaring ended the period, giving the Tamarraws a 9-point advantage, 30-39.
The Tigers were suddenly awakened in the 3rd quarter, they managed to bring the game into another dreadlock, 42-all, with a basket from Cruz, with the help of a steal and assist from Japs Cuan.

The two teams were neck-to-neck as the scores were in see-saw and the Tigers ended the third quarter with a point advantage, 59-58.

However, occasional turnovers and missed baskets brought the Tigers to their doom, as Tamarraw’s score drifted, even creating a 10-point advantage with less than three minutes left in the ballgame.

UST failed to recover as the game ended 84-73.

Quarter scores (UST-FEU): 14-19, 30-39, 59-58-, 73-84

THOMASIANS SHOW SUPPORT TO GROWLING TIGERS

WHILE thousands were glued to their TV sets watching the UAAP games between UST and FEU on September 13, at the University campus, students, faculty members and employees displayed a strong show of support by coming in full force to watch the game on TomCat TV at the Main Building Lobby and lobbies of the colleges and faculties. The crowd shared the same intense emotions with their Thomasian counterpart who watched the game live at the Araneta Coliseum. In campus, Thomasians also cheered their hearts out for the Growling Tigers. Their loyalty was evident to the end, refusing to leave the lobbies even during the game’s dying seconds.

UST faces FEU once again on Monday, September 17 for the last semi-final slot. The Tigers are expected to carry the fight against the Tamarraws; and once more, the Thomasian community will indefatigably cheer for the Growling Tigers.

Warriors silence Tigers, 99-82

UST Growling Tigers dropped their win-lose record to 5-4, after they were silenced by the University of the East Red Warriors, 99-82 in the race for the Final Four of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines men senior’s basketball, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay last August 19.

Tiger rookie Khasim Mirza came out strong in the first half with 14 points, but failed to deliver in the 3rd and final quarter, and ending the game with 18 points.
Recto-based Warriors were on heat in the first quarter of the game with a 7-0 run only after a minute down the clock.

But baskets from Mirza, Anthony Espiritu, mighty Tiger Jervy Cruz and Mark Canlas helped cut the lead, ending the first quarter with a 28-22 score.

The Espana boys stepped in the second period with baskets, including a three-point shot by Mirza, creating the second, and apparently last dreadlock of the game, 30-all.

Tigers recorded 23 points in the second quarter, but the Warriors came out stronger as they ended the first half with a three point lead, 48-45.

Things got disappointing for UST, as UE’s defense unable Cruz to shoot too much baskets. Cruz ended with 17 points, and only six rebounds.

Warriors’ score drifted away, ending the third period with a 12-point lead, 72-60.

UST tried cutting the lead, welcoming the final quarter with baskets from Cruz and Espiritu and a block from Dylan Ababou. Finally, a fastbreak from Japs Cuan cut the lead at seven, 79-72, with three minutes down in the game.

But UE answered the chase with baskets from Marci Arellano, Elmer Espiritu and Mark Anthony Borboran brought the game to 91-75.

The game ended 99-82, giving the Warrior, still, a flawless undefeated record of 9-0.
The Tigers never led in the game.

UE 99: Llagas 21, Borboran 14, Gregorio 13, Lee 12, Fampulme 8, Martinez 8, Lingganay 7, Arellano 6, Espiritu 5, Bandaying 2, Cañizares 2, Thiele 1.

UST 82: Mirza 18, Cruz 17, Espiritu 13, Canlas 8, Allera 8, Cortez 7, Cuan 5, Ababou 5, Gile 1, Dizon 0.

Quarters: 28-22, 48-45, 72-60, 99-82

Tigers stun Archers, 81-73, first in eight years

UST Growling Tigers made history as they defeated De La Salle University Green Archers in an overtime, 81-73, the first of the Tiger’s victory over the Archers in eight years, during the start of the 2nd round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines senior men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum last August 11.

The first quarter was close to a dreadlock as the teams finished it with 18-19, favoring the Taft-based rosters. However, DLSU was in the advantage at the end of the first half with 29-34.

The Tigers finally gathered some confidence in the 2nd half of the game, as Dylan Ababou started the 3rd quarter with a 2-point basket, only after 3 seconds gone in the clock, 31-34, but James Mangahas answered it for the Archers, 31-36. A 3-point basket from Ababou and a lay-up by Mark Canlas brought the 4th dreadlock of the game, 36-all.

The 3rd quarter was in a see-saw as shots from Jervy Cruz, Japs Cuan, Anthony Espiritu plus a great play by Ababou, equaled Rico Maierhofer and Cholo Villanueva’s.

But the Archers surprised the Tigers at the end of the quarter, with under a minute left, when a basket from Simon Atkins and a back-to-back by Jvee Casio ended the quarter 41-55.

Tigers began slowing down in the 4th quarter, allowing the Archers to score, giving them a 13-point advantage, 54-67, nearing the last-2-minuntes mark, and scoring only through the charity stripe.

But things got a lot interesting as continual baskets and steals from the Tigers were executed by Espiritu, prized rookie Khasim Mirza and Jun Cortez with less than a minute left, scoring with almost a miraculous 10 points in less than 40 seconds, creating the 6th dreadlock 69-all, leaving the Archers with 6.7 seconds to shoot to win.

However, the Archers were not successful, bringing the game in an overtime.

With Casio injured, Arches found it hard to chase the Tiger’s sudden adrenalin burst, as baskets from Mirzah, Cuan and Canlas, and the Archer’s too many errors and turnovers, ended the game 81-73.

UST is now tied with the archers and the Far Eastern University Tamarraw in the 2nd spot with a 5-3 win-lose ration.

**After 8 years UST finally won over DLSU! yey!

Imagine, within that span of 8 years, there were 15 UAAP basketball games and UST haven't won any of those games not until yesterday! I'm really happy for I was able to witness it live at Araneta together with my Mom. Well, it's the first time of my Mom to watch the game live and I think she's a lucky charm.

During the 4th quarter, I was starting to lose hope and just wished that the players just have to lower down the point advantage of the Archers..but there's a miracle at the number of 69.

I do believe that UST is lucky at 69.

Think about this: Before the championship of UST last season, they won the title last year of '96 and they regained the title during season 69 of the UAAP after 10 years. And just yesterday, before the overtime, the game was tied at 69. Cool isn't it?

But of course, the win will not be possible without the teamwork of the players. Really great game they showed yesterday..it's like a "Do or Die" game again.

It's an amazing game..compared to the finals game last season against Ateneo.

I really enjoyed especially cheering the "LET"S GO UST BEAT DE LA SALLE!!" cheer. I was jumping up and down when the buzzer surrounded the whole coliseum which signaled the end of the game and UST's victory. Really great feeling to be there..the Thomasian spirit was alive!

At least we're already 1-15 against DLSU..hehe..

Go Tigers! (.^__^.)

Tigers cripple Eagles, 87-74

University of Santo Thomas Growling Tigers roared louder than ever as they feasted on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 87-74, in the meet of the champion and the runner up of last year’s University Athletics Association (UAAP) senior men’s basketball tournament, held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay last August 4.
Rookie Khasim Mirza crippled the Eagles with his three-point baskets, which played a key role in winning the game. Mirza finished with 25 points, the lead scorer in the whole game.

Mighty Tiger Jervy Cruz stomped on the Katipunan-based cagers by recording 19 points and 21 rebounds.
Forward Mel Gile warmed up the game by scoring six points – including a basket from the 3-point line - in the early part of the game, creating an early advantage over the Eagles, 8-2.

The game was in a complete see-saw, with eight dreadlocks and 12 lead changes, ending the 1st quarter with the Eagles on the advantage, 21-24. However, Tigers closed the first half 45-all with a basket from Anthony Espiritu, shooting from the charity stripe.

However, things got hotter off-court as a warning was given to Ateneo since their pep squad Blue Babble Battalion was performing their halftime performance way too long, exciding the allotted 5 minutes by the UAAP board members.

Both the Thomasian and the Atenean crowds were at rage, until a letter from the board was read giving Ateneo the warning.

The third quarter was still in a dreadlock, with the Eagles creating too much foul, sending the Tigers into the charity stripe. The 3rd canto ended 62-61.

Things started illuminating some light for the Tigers, as alternate baskets from Mirzah, Cruz, Dylan Ababou and Mark Canlas shocked the Eagles. The Tigers’ great play of defense helped drifted the score, creating a 17-point lead, 80-63.

Eric Salamat, Chris Tiu and Zion Laterre attempted to create another dreadlock, but failed to do so, closing the game, 87-74.
With that victory, UST closed out its first round campaign as it improved its win-loss record at 4-3, in a tie with the Blue Eagles for third place.

UST 87 -- Mirza 25, Cruz 19, Ababou 10, Canlas 9, Espiritu 7, Gile 6, Cuan 5, Cortez 3, Allera 2, Dizon 1, Scott 0, Badua 0, Taylor 0.
ATENEO 74 -- Salamat 15, Laterre 13, Nkemakolam 10, Tiu 9, Baclao 8, Long 6, Reyes 6, Baldos 2, Barracoso 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Arao 1.Quarters: 21-24, 45-45, 62-61, 87-74

Tigers suffer third defeat; lose to Archers in an overtime

UST Growling Tigers lose a bitter defeat when they were beaten by De La Salle Green Archers in an overtime, 90-86, during the 1st round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum last July 29.

The Tigers started out with the big advantage, as Dylan Ababou was unstoppable, scoring 10 of their 16 baskets, closing the 1st quarter with a six point lead against the Archers.

The first half did make the Thomasian crowd proud, as Espana-based players ending it 38-28, with baskets from Francis Allera, and rookie Khasim Mirza. Jervy Cruz’ rebounds played a major part in their game, and good defense prevented the Taft boys in scoring.

Things started to turn around in the beginning of the 3rd quarter as Archers TY Tang , PJ Walsham and James Mangahas shot hoops, creating a dreadlock, 40-all, after a consecutive fouls from Tigers Japs Cuan, Anthony Espiritu and Mirza.

The Archer’s first lead from the Tigers 43-45, however, came from a free throw by A Ferdinand, who was sent into the charity stripe by a foul from Espiritu, but was shortly redeemed after Espiritu shot a two-point. The third quarter ended with 62-60.

Oliver Cua welcomed the final quarter by shooting for the Archers, creating another dreadlock, 62-all. Tang erupted with baskets, causing a panic in the Tiger’s dwelling, giving the Archers a 3-point lead, 74-77 with about two minutes left.

However, with two minutes left in the 4th quarter, Ababou shot two crucial baskets, and was fouled by Walsham, sending the 3rd year Tiger into the charity stripe. Crowds gone wild as Ababou shot the bonus shot, locking the game 77-all with less than a minute left in the ball.

And with 6.4 seconds left in the 4th quarter, Cruz shot a two-point basket 79-77, challenging the Archer, in which Coach Franz Pumaren called for an important timeout.

Jvee Casio answered the Tigers with a very crucial buzzer beater, 79-all, bring the game into an overtime.In the overtime, however, after Cuan was fouled out of the game, Tiger’s defense weakened, allowing Archers to take the opportunity, creating up to a 6-point lead, the biggest of Archers’ in the whole game, with less than two minutes on the game.

Tiger’s became nervous, and practically gave away the game with number of errors and turnovers while the Archers took advantage of the time.

The Tigers now has a 3-3 win-loss record and the Archers, 4-2

I still have a bit of a grudge about this day, but at least the results are all out. The victory of UST against NU is one of those games where I can be proud of. They really did their best part and all players must be given credit for all their hardworks and perseverance. Here is the story:

UST defeated NU, wins third straight

July 26, 2007

UST Growling Tigers enjoyed their third consecutive win in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men’s basketball tournament, after they beat National University (NU) Bulldogs, 83-72, before the crowd at the Araneta Coliseum last July 26.

Forward Dylan Ababou was the highest pointer Tiger,registering 18 points, scoring 3 out of 4 from the 3-point stripe.

The first two quarters were a close fight, ending the 1st half with 34-31, but the UST, however, made a big run by shooting baskets from Ababou, Japs Cuan and Jervy Cruz, creating a 53-48 advantage with four minutes down in the third quarter..

NU, however, opened the 4th quarter by shooting hoops and locking the score 57-all. Khasim Mirza and Ababou broke the tie with a big jumper and a three point, respectively, 77-68, with three minutes left in the ball game.

Bulldog Edwin Asoro’s fast-breaks and free throws cut the Tigers’ lead to just five, 77-72, with less than 2 minutes left in the clock.

NU was stuck to their score on their dismay, and UST’s score finally drifted away with Mark Canlas’ jumper shot and Cruz’ open lay-up, ending the game with 83-72.

UST now has a 3-2 win-loss record.
UST will be battling the De Lasalle Green Archers on Sunday, July 29, at the Araneta Coliseum. UST-83: Ababou: 18, Cuan:12, Espiritu:10 Cortez:10, Mirza:9, Canlas:9, Taylor:7, Cruz: 6, Allera:2, Gile:0, Dizon:0
NU – 72: Fernandez: 27, Aguilar: 10 Asoro: 10, Lingao-Lingao: 8, Ponferrada: 7, Jahnke: 4, Garcia:2, Salvado:2, Catamora: 2, Terso: 0, Baloran: 2, Luy, 0, Malagueno: 0

**Biglang umingay nga yung buong house ng ngstart yung game ng 2pm. I don't care if loud screams or even screeches monopolize our roof...as long as the game heat is on..it's Go USTe support time! Medyo nakakatawa nga yung mga pinagsisigaw ko kanina eh..it's as if the players can hear me, especially when they commit faulty or dumb errors.

It's like: "Ano ba yan dapat 3 points na yun eh..!" or

"Oooh..foul yun ah?! Ooops..travelling..yey! turn-over!" hehehe...it's a bit funny in real life than in script.

Second game is the "much awaited" fame of the season for the 1st round, DLSU vs. ADMU. I wasn't able to watch this game on tv because me and my Mom watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on wide screen.

The movie was nice and the actresses and actors especially Daniel Radcliffe was gorgeous. Emma Watson was really pretty and those two who took the role of the Weasley Twins, Fred and George were so handsome! (.^__^.)

As what I've said earlier, the movie was good...but not that excellent. As usual, kulang yung scenes sa movie compared to what was written on the book. Syempre, much better kung complete but just imagine the lenght of the movetime. That will surely hurt my back and my butt..(.^__^.)

Hey... I've seen a picture of a sports icon which quite resembles Daniel Radcliffe..hehe..look!

What do you think? Well, that man is Roger Federer! Ooohh..so handsome! Looks so neat and clean!

Anyways, going back to UAAP, Ateneo won over La Salle in an overtime. At first, I wanted DLSU to win but now I’m happy that Ateneo won. DLSU quite played a bit dirty…I just don’t like the way they’re playing now. Most players were “mayabang” in a sense though of course some Ateneans were like that. Pero hindi ko naman nilalahat. Meron akong mga friends and kakilala who are studying there and they’re different from those who I mentioned above.
Congratulations to all Ateneans! Goodluck on the 2nd round.

Way back when I was in my highschool years, my classmates would often asked me:

“Marielle, which one do you prefer to win..Ateneo or La Salle?”
And my reply is: ”Syempre La Salle! Go Archers!”

Now..I have a different answer. Things do really change!
Question: “Which one do you prefer to wi…Ateneo or La Salle?”
Answer: “Syempre UST! Go Tigers!”

After the shocking truth that UAAP tickets for this Thursday's game was sold-out..here come's the good news! I've already got the tickets for the next Sunday game on July 29, 2007.
UST vs. DLSU
ADMU vs. FEU
I'm really happy..those tickets are regarded as the last minute tickets in the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) in UST. Finally I have one..and it's not on the Gen Ad part...Upper B! hehe..I'm lucky today! I'm getting a bit desperate to have that ticket..it's really a scarce resource.

I better get ready for my stuff..yellow shirt and everything! Super miss ko na yung cheer..gosh! Go USTe..

Oh by the way..I just want to share to you some reviews about the past games of UST for this first round..here it is: (.^__^.)

Tigers still half asleep, lose over UE
Sunday, July 8, 2007
University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers didn’t growl quite loud as University of the East Red Warriors beat last season’s champions, 73-60, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines(UAAP) senior men's basketball competition last July 8, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Jervy Cruz still ended with a 16-point record in the opening game, despite the minor injury he attained in the middle of the game.

The Warriors, led by Mark Borboran, maintained the lead throughout the first three quarters, disappointing the UST crowd.

The Tigers finally stood out to gain control of the game, only to be disappointed by their opponent’s drive for the win. The Recto-based rosters’ score finally drifted away from the Espana boys’ with only a minute remaining in the last quarter.

Earlier, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles defeated Adamson University Falcons, 69-63, in an overtime.

Joining De La Salle University Green Archers and National University Bulldogs top the race, UE and Ateneo now both have a 1-0 slate.
Quarters: 17-14, 33-27, 48-45, 73-60

TAMARAW DOMINATED THE TIGERS
July 14, 2007, Saturday
University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers was slapped with a second defeat after losing against Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 81-66, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men's basketball at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last July 14.

The Tamaraws were too eager to bounce back into the league after their bitter defeat against the National University Bulldogs last July 7 that they completely dominated the Tigers, who lost against the University of the East Red Warriors in their first game.

FEU welcomed UST into the match by not allowing the defending champs to score too much, resulting a 16-point lead favoring the Tamaraws, and the Tigers recording only 10 points in the 1st quarter and ending the 1st half, 41-23.

UST tried catching up in the 3rd quarter, even cutting the lead to just 15 points with less than five minutes left. But FEU answered the challenge, closing the 3rd quarter with a 61-43 score.

Tigers Japs Cuan, guard Mark Canlas, and Khazim Mirza, however, got the ball rolling by shooting baskets and stealing balls, cutting FEU’s big lead to just nine points, with less than 4 minutes left in the final quarter.

Jervy Cruz, the highest scorer in the game with 19 points, scored from the free throw line with less than three minutes until the end of the game.

But time was in FEU’s hand as UST was unable to catch with the Morayta-based players, who were still scoring I the game, closing it with a 9-3 run, putting the final score at 81-66.

The Tigers are now tied with Adamson Falcons and University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons who are at the bottom of the standings with 0-2 win-loss records.

FEU :81 - Sanga:15, Adolfo: 15, Cawaling: 11, Gerilla: 8, Barroca: 7, Baracael: 6, Fernandez: 5. Abaring: 3, Reyes:3, Cervantes:3, Ramos:2, Knuttle:2, Cabagnot:2, Alisbo:0, Tanuan:0
UST:66 – Cruz: 19, Mirza:11, Cuan:10, Ababou:8, Canlas:6, Scott:4, Espiritu:3, Allera:3, Dizon:2, Basa:0, Badua:0, Taylor:0, Cortez:0

UST TIGERS ETCH FIRST WIN
July 19, 2007 - Thursday
"More than Jervy Cruz's usual monster game, 24 points and 23 rebounds, it was the team's collective effort and successful adjustment to the sudden exit of Jojo Duncil with new players finally taking charge. Francis Allera was a surprise standout with 26 points and 8 rebounds."

Down for as much as 12 points in the first quarter, the defending champions bounced back with triple three-pointers at the start of the second quarter courtesy of Jun Cortez and a back-to-back from Allera. Leo Canuday and Patrick Cabahug of Adamson were quick to respond with two treys but Allera, along with Anthony Espiritu, carried on the shooting spree behind the arc to keep the Falcons at bay. The Tigers closed the first half with a two-point lead, 47-45.

Three straight stolen possessions maneuvered by Espiritu and a three-pointer fired by unlikely source Japs Cuan in the last canto marked the turning point of the game as the Tigers widened the gap by ten and was pushed even further to 16 points, 94-78, with only less than two minutes on the clock. The Tigers manufactured 31 points in the quarter, so far the highest posted digit within a quarter in the season.

Quarter scores: 18-26, 47-45, 65-64, 96-84

TIGER 2-2 DEFEAT MAROONS
After a 0-2 start, UST Growling Tigers gained their second win as they defeated the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 76-68, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Senior men’s basketball last July 21 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

"Francis Allera once again stepped out and shot hoops for the team as what he did during the Tigers’ victor over the Adamson Falcons, earning the best player of the game title."

First quarter ended with a tie, 15 on both teams, but Espana-based rosters stepped up as they earned an 8-point lead against the Diliman boys in the end of the 1st half.

UST’s score drifter farter away as they closed the 3rd quarter with an eleven-point advantage.

Mighty Tiger Jervy Cruz played a crucial game, especially after Fighting Maroons Woody Co and Veejay Serios cut the Tigers lead – 12 points - to just five points with under a minute left in the 4th quarter.

However, Dylan Ababou, scored one of his two attempts from the charity stripe to lock the score at 76-68.

UST is now tied with the National University Bulldogs, 2-2.
Earlier, Ateneo Blue Eagles won over the Bulldogs in a close fight, 66-65

Quarters: 15-15, 43-35, 62-51, 76-68