It's been a long time since the last I watched a UAAP basketball game, live. And I am so happy because I was able to get a ticket (thank you so much, Philly! Really!) and support my college team (Go USTe!) in the first game of the UAAP Season 76th Finals against the De La Salle Green Archers. Yep, I am a Thomasian, an alumna of University of Sto. Tomas and ever since I got in the university, I've never fell out of love of the university's men's basketball team, the Growling Tigers. 

It felt good seating there, cheering for your college team (even though we're seated in the midst of the opposing team's side) just like the old times. It felt good seeing Coach Pido (which we call Tatay Coach) doing his thing as the teams Tatay and the players may it be the alumni, those I was able to meet and cheer for when I was still a student, and those who are new on the team. I missed it. I missed the loud cheer, the school spirit, the never-ending cheers to support the teams, the nerve-racking shots, the adrenaline rush, the hope of winning this game, the crowd fighting along side with the teams. I missed them.

Well, it was an awesome game earlier. It was full of surprises, seeing the Teng siblings play head to head with each other, defending their respective teams (Jeric Teng plays for UST while his younger brother Jeron Teng plays for DLSU). I've been wondering, what would it be like to go against the team of your own sibling? And, and, on their parents' part, what was it like seeing your children in that situation?

The first half of the game, UST dominated over DLSU but much to their surprise, DLSU claimed themselves back by owning the third quarter. But fourth quarter is the most interesting one amongst the four. Especially the last two minutes of the game. 

At around one minute something (or less. I'm a bad blogger, I can't even remember when that happened due to all the craziness and extreme, note: EXTREME cheering. I whole-heartedly apologize. Please, forgive me.) DLSU scored a three which brings the score to 72-73 in favor of UST. Last nine seconds or so, the ball slipped from Aljon Mariano's hands, DLSU got it and yes, they tried for another three (which missed) and a rebound (which also missed). It was so full of action, I've never even realized the buzzer that signaled the end of the game. And to be honest, it took me around five seconds (looking to the score board, checking the game time, and seeing the hard court action) before I realized that indeed, UST won the game. And just by then did I allowed myself to go bananas and keep telling myself that what I am seeing is real. We won the first game.

And with that, Congratulations my dear UST Growling Tigers and kudos to the DLSU Green Archers! You fought well, earlier. I admire your way of playing as well (clean and not extremely physical).

They've been asking, "So who will win the game? The Heart of UST or the Height of DLSU?". And even though I know the games hasn't reached the end yet, all I could say is that it was the heart that won on the first game. And that I am hoping that the heart would still fight its best on the next games to come.

The Happy, sleepy Tiger w/ her ticket & a photo of the official score after the game. Oh, look! There's Captain Jeric!

I bought this really yummy Watermelon Ice Cream. It's soft, has this peanut-like tasting seeds, and it taste REALLY good!

I'll try this by tomorrow since my sister would like to taste it. So, we'll do it together! Photo from: seoulcolors.com