The UST Growling Tigers continue on their uphill battle towards a Final Four spot in UAAP Season 87.
The UST Growling Tigers continue to be on edge even as they finally broke through a three-game losing skid with a win over the FEU Tamaraws, 79-70, in their second round encounter in UAAP Season 87 on Sunday, October 27.
While the Tigers retained their position in the standings at 4th with their 5-6 slate, there are still four other teams hot on their trail as the Final Four race tightens in the men’s tournament.
Right after taking the win against FEU, UST head coach Pido Jarencio was all about getting focused on the next game.
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“Basta kami ang iniisip namin ‘yung last four games, parang ano ito, do-or-die game ang mindset namin. Kaya yung mga bata, they really worked hard para manalo lang today,” said Jarencio.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair that UST had to endure even as the Growling Tigers held the advantage for the most part against the Tamaraws.
FEU posed a tough challenge led by ace rookie Veejay Pre, who exploded for 31 points — the most a rookie has scored since Ray Parks Jr.’s 32 markers in UAAP Season 74.
But thanks to a surprising performance from bench player Kyle Paranada, who finished with 13 points on 5-of-6 scoring, Jarencio’s Growling Tigers were able to breathe a little easy.
“It’s a total team effort. Lahat nag-contribute, coaching staff, mga players. Three-game losing streak kaya kailangang makabalik,” said the UST tactician.
“Nag-trabaho ‘yung mga bata tapos [may] breakout game kay Kyle Paranada,” he added.
Nic Cabañero and Forth Padrigao continued to be the steady contributors for the Growling Tigers as well with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
The win not only took the monkey off of his players backs, but also for Jarencio himself who was pleased to take the victory for the team’s supporters.
“Para sa management ito, which is yung UST, mga Kaparian, na dire-diretso suporta samin, mga sponsors namin, si Boss Al[francis Chua], andiyan sumusporta,” he said.
Still, there’s a long way to go for the Growling Tigers before they can relax. Up next for UST is a win-hungry NU squad whom they face on Wednesday, November 6, still here at the Mall of Asia Arena.
But first, it will be a lengthy break for the Growling Tigers as they take a 10-day break before plunging back into action.