Abando, UST not in celebratory mood a win away from UAAP Finals

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas is one win away from a finals clash against defending champion Ateneo in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament, but the stoic Rhenz Abando said there’s no reason for his team to celebrate just yet.

Abando, who captivated UST with his sheer athleticism, said it won’t be good for the Growling Tigers to start celebrating with the job still far from over.

The Growling Tigers handed University of the Philippines a 89-69 beating on Sunday in their semifinals duel to force a rubber match for the last finals slot in the tournament.

“I think it’s bad for us if we start celebrating. We’re just thinking that we still have one more game before the finals,” said Abando in Filipino.

“We’re still here and we’re focusing on that next game before the finals.”

The odds were stacked against UST heading into its matchup against UP, needing to beat the Maroons twice to advance.

Abando, who had 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, said they’re in not any way satisfied despite the big win and that they won’t let their guards down against the Fighting Maroons.

“We’re not complacent at all,” said Abando, whose team has now beaten UP thrice in as many games this season. “We just have to do our jobs and play our best in our next games.”