University of Santo Tomas’ campaign in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament has officially come to a close, losing miserably to Ateneo, 102-62, Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
After putting a fight for a Final Four at the start of the second round, the Growling Tigers bombed out of the race and finished at sixth place with a 5-9 record.
It was a four-game turnaround from Season 80’s campaign where UST won just one game against 13 losses.
Not satisfied with this year’s output, guard Renzo Subido said they’re already gearing up for Season 82.
“Everything won’t end here in Season 81, we’re only going on a two-week break and then we’re going to focus on Season 82,” said Subido who finished with 18 points to lead the Growling Tigers in their final game.
UST’s early preparation for Season 82 was a direct contrast to what it did prior to Season 81 as it underwent a coaching change from Boy Sablan to Aldin Ayo.
Ayo, a champion in both the NCAA and the UAAP, joined the team in January and that is a relatively late start for a team to prepare with most schools preparing for the next basketball tournament just a month after the prior one ends.
Subido added that Season 81 gave them the experience and it’s up to them to refine everything for Season 82.
“We have to focus on Season 82 and we have to keep improving a team and eventually make sure that our mistakes this season won’t happen again,” said Subido.
“Every game, either we win or lose, we don’t leave each other behind. Even if there’s a problem we work it out as a team and we help each other grow as a player.”