Alfrancis Chua, the University of Santo Tomas’ Special Assistant to the Rector for Basketball, expressed satisfaction with the Growling Tigers’ bronze medal finish in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Chua described the achievement as an “overachievement,” pointing out that no one expected the Growling Tigers to reach the Final Four, particularly with the competition being so evenly matched among the eight teams.
“No one expected us to be in the Final Four, so okay naman since nakapasok kami sa Final Four,” Chua, also the San Miguel Corporation’s sports director, said in an interview with DWAR Abante Radyo’s Sports Now program.
Chua also expressed his satisfaction with the fight shown by the Growling Tigers, particularly during their 78-69 defeat to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the Final Four round last Saturday.
“Ang naging problema diyan is experience eh; isa lang ang naka-Final Four sa kanila diyan eh, si (Rence) Padrigao, so parang bago sa kanila lahat ‘yung Final Four,” Chua said.
“We are happy na ‘yung mga bata lumaban; (‘yung UP) they are taller, they are quicker than us, so okay naman,” the long-haired sports official further said.
This marks the Growling Tigers’ first podium finish since securing second place in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament under then-head coach Aldin Ayo.
