UAAP: ‘Motivated’ ex-Growling Tiger Royce Mantua bites UST

Royce Mantua plays a key role in Adamson’s win over his former team UST in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Royce Mantua was a thorn in the side of his former school University of Santo Tomas, helping Adamson in its big bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Mantua, who played two seasons for UST, conspired with Monty Montebon and AJ Fransman as he shot 4-of-5 from the field to finish with 11 points and lead Adamson to a 69-56 win on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The transferee guard, who won a title in UAAP Season 84 3×3 tournament and suited up for the Growling Tigers in Season 85 two years ago, admitted there’s an extra motivation going up against his former team but he made sure to keep his focus in the game.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

Royce Mantua on facing his former team UST. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/aM4BnY2xtx

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“Definitely playing against my old teammates as well. And I also got to hide my emotions as well, so, it does motivate that I’m playing against my old team. I’m glad that we got the win,” said Mantua.

“It’s like any other opponent but definitely there’s like a little emotion. I gotta play with the team I’m playing with right now. So, it’s more on our goal than just my role.”

The Filipino-Aussie deflected the credit to his teammates as Montebon poured in 15 points, while Fransman had 11 points and 10 rebounds to improve to 2-1, tying the erstwhile-unbeaten UST. 

“We all played as a team. That’s what matters,” Mantua said. “It’s very very good. With everyone, ball movement, knowing what to do with the ball, knowing when to move without the ball, also gives us opportunities. It fits well with everyone.”

Fransman, a transferee from Enderun Colleges, came out of his shell after averaging just 3.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in his first two games.

READ: UAAP: Adamson hands UST its first loss, improves to 2-1

“Sa role ko, I’m trying to stick padin sa strength ko and first game and second game, tinatry ko nga talaga sanayin yung sarili ko sa ganitong arena, yung crowd, fans, yung mga bright lights,” said Fransman. “Ngayon talaga sabi ko na andito na ko eh. So I have to work.”

“I’m just sticking with Coach Nash’s [Racela] system. Yung mga pinapagawa sakin ng mga coaches and then tinatry ko abutin yung standard nila Coach Nash, para mameet ko yung standard nila and magawa ng tama yung mga kailangan kong gawin,” he added.

Adamson seeks to sustain its momentum for its first winning streak of the season against Ateneo on Saturday next week at Smart Araneta Coliseum.