Could it be just fate?

By Anthony Don Marca

The Final Four is set.

I was still studying in Lourdes School Quezon City when the University of Santo Tomas won the championship in 2006. As far as I can remember, I was rooting for them because my dad used to be a Thomasian. He told me and my brothers that one day we will also feel the same joy he was feeling during that day.

I never thought it would come true.Today I am on my third year in college, and so far, this year’s rank of the Tigers in the 75^th season on the UAAP at 2^nd spot is the best during my stay at the University.

Being number two gives the Tigers a twice-to-beat advantage over the National University, who, ironically, gave the former that spot when the latter won its re-play game versus the Far Eastern University.

The UST community as well as enthusiasts, prayed hard for the Bulldogs’ victory because in case they lost that match, the Tigers and Tams would have to face in a playoff game for 2^nd spot, while De La Salle University secures the number four seat. Just the same, NU also needed the win to clinch a spot on the Final Four, since the last time they went to the playoffs was way back in 2001.

It is also a blessing in disguise for UST because they do not have to face FEU anymore, who defeated them twice prior to the playoffs. Plus, NU did not win a single game against the España-based cagers also in the elimination round. The Tigers have a very good chance to make it to the finals, or even taking home the title.

By any chance, UST will not battle FEU in the playoffs after the latter was eliminated by DLSU in a knockout match. Yes, FEU was one of the leading contenders; they are even on the 2^nd spot just before lumping a 3-game losing skid.

Whenever I have time to meet my friends from other universities, some of them would say “Naka-tsambananaman ‘yung UST,” pertaining to Tigers coach PidoJarencio’s famous line every time UST wins a game.

I then thought to myself if it was just luck. And the answer I got is no.

UST deserves to be on where they are right now. They fought hard in every game, hustling for the ball, making every possession count, and working harder on defense. Of all the four losses of the Tigers, only one was decided by a very far margin, while the rest were just a sheer one-point deficit.

They bolstered their roster by bringing back in Aljon Mariano, who is a force inside and also a threat beyond the arc. With the ball in the paint, defense usually doubles him; giving shooters like Tata Bautista and JericTeng an opening for a clear shot outside.

Jeric Fortuna may not be scoring that much, but he also a key to the team’s run by being a vocal leader on court and by delivering good plays. In their match against the University of the Philippines, he sparked the Tigers’ offense in his back-to-back three-point plays. This just shows a great attitude of a leader, stepping up during crucial situations. Another big factor is their big man Karim Abdul, who is a leading candidate for the Most Valuable Player award in listing double-double averages of 17.6 points and 13 rebounds.

The Tigers were also known as the “Come-back Tigers” after listing four come-from-behind wins against top seed Ateneo de Manila University, NU and UP; two of which are against NU, who they will face in the first round of the Semi-finals. The Bulldogs may have the upper hand in terms of player’s capabilities and skills, but the Tigers have the advantage of the situation and the momentum plus the experience in battling for crucial games.

I believe they are ready. They are motivated, inspired, willed, and most of all, blessed. Their hunger for redemption and thirst for a title is what fuels them to drive for that goal – the championship.