Do-or-die game experience to bolster UST in Game 3

MANILA, Philippines – About to play his last UAAP game, University of Santo Tomas King Tiger Jeric Teng believes that their experience in a do-or-die match will be an advantage in Saturday’s game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“It's a big factor,” the UST skipper said after their 70-77 loss to La Salle in Game 2 last Oct. 5. “Charge it to experience. I think we're still good sa Game 3.”

Before reaching the best-of-three finals series, the Tigers are 3-0 in knockout games.

The Espana-based squad outdone and eliminated five-peat defending champion Ateneo de Manila University for the last Final Four spot before making history as the first fourth-seeded team to reach the finals, upsetting the top team National University.

The Bulldogs held a twice-to-beat advantage.

Meanwhile, veteran head coach Pido Jarencio echoed his skipper’s statement.

“Bawi tayo, babawi tayo,” said an upbeat Jarencio. “Pag do-or-die game iba ang laro, ‘yun ang team namin eh.”

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Jarencio said it will be their hearts that will matter in the winner-take-all match.

“Championship mentality na lang ang lahat ng ito. Mindset na lang ang importante dito,” said Jarencio, who last tasted the crown in their “Cinderella run” in 2006.

“Alam mo naman tayo size sila tayo puso,” he added.

Game time is at 3 p.m.

For his part, Archers coach Juno Sauler said preparation and mental toughness will spell the difference in Game 3.

“I don’t know if there’s some momentum on our side but what we just focus on Saturday. Momentum or no momentum, it will take preparation and mental toughness and that will make the difference this Saturday,” Sauler said after they tied the series 1-1.