Tigers’ run biggest in UAAP week of surprises

PHOTO BY TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

HOW the first week turned out left many teams bracing for more surprises in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

Two tailenders last season emerged early leaders as University of Santo Tomas grabbed the No. 1 spot at 3-0 while University of the Philippines, the long-time league doormat, claimed a share of second place at 2-1.

Defending champion National University, though, remained winless in two outings and the typically competitive La Salle and Ateneo both absorbed a heavy whipping from Far Eastern University.

“Most of the teams are really stepping up so we need to step up also,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “We have to find a way to bring our game back.”

The two unexpected leaders are off to their best start in a decade with the Tigers highlighting their perfect run with a 72-71 nipping of the season-favorite Tamaraws and the Maroons also boasting of a 71-66 stunner over the Green Archers.

“The season has been very unpredictable,” noted FEU coach Nash Racela.

While the Tamaraws have been expected to dominate, not many predicted their 24-point thrashing of the Blue Eagles, 88-64, and their 18-point ripping of the Green Archers, 93-75.

Aside from the thrilling games that marked the opening week, several under-the-radar players also made an impact.

Often overshadowed by other UST guards, Ed Daquioag surprisingly starred in all of the Tigers’ three wins to average an impressive 24.3 points.

“I know I’m now one of the leaders of the team, so I have to set a good example to my teammates,” said Daquioag, who copped the first Accel Quantum/3XVI-UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honor.

“My role before in the team was at the defensive end. So I’m now grabbing the opportunity that coach gave me.”

University of the East also found a gem in Bonbon Batiller, the rookie guard who normed 20 points in his first two games to lift the Red Warriors to a 1-1 card.