MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas Tigers coach Pido Jarencio is hoping veteran forward Aljon Mariano will break out of his slump in Saturday's deciding Game Three of the UAAP Season 76 men's basketball wars against La Salle.
Mariano, the Tigers' second-best scorer and rebounder during the elims, has been virtually "missing" in the championship series, where he logged two points and five rebounds in their 73-72 Game One win and a slightly-improved nine markers and eight boards in their 70-77 Game Two loss.
"Hindi naman nag-disappear si Aljon. Andyan lang yan, hintayin lang natin. Malay mo sa baka pumutok na sa Sabado (Aljon is still there. Let's be patient with him. Who knows, he might explode this Saturday)," said UST coach Pido Jarencio.
Mariano's strong presence is direly needed by UST against La Salle's triple tower – Norbert Torres, Arnold van Opstal and Jason Perkins. The Archers have been making a killing inside the paint, averaging 43 points there versus only 20 for UST, and holding the edge in total rebounding, 50.5 to 41, and offensive boards, 22.5 to 8.5.
The Archers's frontliners will also get a big boost with the expected return of Matt Salem from illness (mumps). The 6-foot-3 Fil-Am is a deadly three-point shooter, which could make UST defenders think twice about collapsing on the DLSU's post up players.
"He was out in the first two games but he'll be ready for Saturday," said DLSU coach Juno Sauler of the rookie, who accounted for eight triples in the elims.
"It's a big factor also because he's one of our bigs who can spread the floor. We all know he can shoot the three-point shots in case the bigs can't maneuver inside because of the defense thrown. Matt Salem is there to provide for better floor spacing," Sauler added.