Looking at UST and UP’s opening day UAAP wins

MANILA, Philippines – The first triple-header in the UAAP in well over 15 years proved to be exciting and eventful. The scores might have shown some teams putting a little distance between them and their opponents, but there were runs, highlights plays, and teams and players smacking of potential to make this one of the most exciting seasons in league history.

Rhenz Abando leads a frightening cast ready to make a statement

UST kept UE at arms’ length all game long to pull off a 95-82 win to open UAAP Season 82.

While we know what to expect from the amazing Rhenz Abando — who will probably be the league’s best all-around player when Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena graduates — and the hardworking Soulemane Chabi Yo. The Growling Tigers did well in spite of a subpar performance from rookie Mark Nonoy, although CJ Cansino made an impressive return.

But what I like about this win by the Growling Tigers is their depth as a lot of players contributed to this win, and the heads-up play of Sherwin Concepcion — 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Those are good stats to have in the post.

If Concepcion can keep this up, this will give UST a triple or even a quadruple threat inside with Chabi Yo, Abando and Dave Ando. And to think there is the hard-working Nat Cosejo and Ira Bataller. 

But man…. 49 3-point attempts? Is that a record in terms of attempts?

That aside, Aldin Ayo has the makings of a terrific team here. You cannot take the Tigers lightly at all.

For their part, the Red Warriors showed that they are for real despite the loss. They have some exciting weapons in Rey Suerte, Alex Diakhite (20 points and 21 rebounds), Harvey Pagsanjan and Jed Mendoza. With their baptism of fire done, it will be interesting to see how they adjust.

Javi Gomez De Liaño should not be overlooked

UP got a huge opening day win (and a scare as well when FEU rallied late in the game), 61-55. And the player who led them to that is one of those most do not expect (except to those who closely follow their team) — Javi Gomez De Liaño.

Actually during the summer tournaments, I thought that it was Javi who made the biggest impact.  Back in high school or even during their early college days, all the attention was centered around younger brother Juan. But these past two years have showed his rapid improvement as a player.

And this game underscored his game and importance to UP’s dreams of winning a title (22 points, six rebounds and three assists). Can you imagine the confidence he will gain from this?

Imagine this… a team with Bright Akhuetie, Juan Gomez De Liaño, Kobe Paras, Jun Manzo and Ricci Rivero, and you have a player like Javi heavily contributing? Pick your poison.

And we haven’t even gone to the bench.