As I sit down to analyze the current UAAP Women's Basketball standings, I can't help but draw parallels to that fascinating insight from Coach Tim Cone about controlling game tempo. You see, in my years covering collegiate sports, I've noticed how championship-caliber teams often embrace similar philosophies - they understand that sometimes, winning ugly is better than losing pretty. The current UAAP season has been particularly revealing in this regard, with several teams demonstrating that strategic patience can outweigh raw offensive firepower.

Looking at the standings midway through Season 86, what strikes me most is how tightly contested the race has become. The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have been absolutely phenomenal, holding the top spot with an impressive 10-2 record. Their defensive discipline reminds me exactly of what Cone described - they've mastered the art of grinding out victories in low-scoring affairs. I recall their recent 58-54 victory over La Salle, where they deliberately slowed the tempo in the fourth quarter, making every possession count. That's championship basketball right there, folks. The numbers don't lie - UST is allowing just 62.3 points per game, the best defensive rating in the league. Meanwhile, the National University Lady Bulldogs sit close behind at 9-3, and I've got to say, their offensive versatility is something special. They're averaging 75.8 points, but what really impresses me is their ability to adapt to different game speeds. When they faced UST last month, they nearly pulled off the upset by matching the Tigers' defensive intensity, eventually falling just short 66-64 in what was arguably the game of the season so far.

The battle for the remaining Final Four spots has been absolutely wild. De La Salle University holds third place at 8-4, but here's where it gets interesting - their approach has been inconsistent, in my opinion. They'll score 80 points one game, then struggle to hit 60 the next. That volatility worries me come playoff time. Ateneo de Manila University at 7-5 has been the surprise package, and I'll admit I underestimated them early in the season. Their coach has implemented a system that prioritizes possession basketball, much like Cone's philosophy with the Kings. They're perfectly content winning games in the 60s, and it's working for them. The remaining teams - University of the Philippines at 5-7, Far Eastern University at 4-8, Adamson University at 3-9, and University of the East at 2-10 - face increasingly steep climbs to contention. What I find particularly telling is how UP, despite having one of the most talented rosters, has struggled in close games. They've lost four games by five points or less, which tells me they haven't quite mastered that end-game execution that separates good teams from great ones.

From my perspective, the teams that understand tempo control like Cone's Kings will have the advantage in the playoffs. UST gets this better than anyone - they've won six games this season where neither team reached 70 points. That's not accidental; that's by design. Their coaching staff has implemented a system where every possession is treated like gold, much like how the Kings valued each opportunity in that 73-71 series opener Cone referenced. I've noticed NU trying to adopt similar principles recently, though they're still more comfortable in uptempo games. What fascinates me about La Salle is their identity crisis - are they a running team or a half-court team? Until they figure that out, I can't see them winning the championship.

The individual performances have been spectacular, but what really catches my eye are the players who thrive in these defensive battles. UST's Tacky Tacatac has been magnificent in clutch situations, reminiscent of how veteran point guards control playoff games in the PBA. She's averaging 14.5 points but more importantly, she's shooting 48% in the fourth quarter of close games. That's the kind of efficiency that wins championships. Meanwhile, NU's Kristine Cayabyab has been putting up video game numbers - 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds - but I've noticed she tends to force shots when the game slows down. That's an area she'll need to improve if NU hopes to dethrone UST.

As we head into the crucial stretch of the season, I'm convinced the championship will be decided by which team can best impose their preferred tempo. The standings might show UST comfortably on top, but I've been around long enough to know that playoff basketball is a different beast entirely. Teams that can win multiple styles - whether it's a track meet or a defensive grind - typically raise the trophy. Based on what I've seen, UST has the inside track because they've mastered the art of winning ugly, but don't sleep on NU if they can adapt to slower-paced games. The coming weeks will reveal which team truly understands the timeless wisdom of controlling the game's rhythm rather than simply trying to outscore opponents.