The UST Growling Tigers finally played like they mean it in the win over the UE Red Warriors with Final Four repercussions.
The UST Growling Tigers showed what it means to want it more as they fended off a comeback attempt by the UE Red Warriors in their second round encounter, 76-67, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
After a tough loss at the hands of NU the last time out, the Growling Tigers meant business — hitting the ground running against the Red Warriors.
[RELATED: UAAP: UST Growling Tigers hold off furious UE Red Warriors run to solidify Final Four bid]
Buoyed by a hot start led by Nic Cabañero, the Growling Tigers blew the game wide open as early as the second quarter when they led by as much as 27 points, 41-14, off of a made and-one.
But the Red Warriors, also in the running for the Final Four — and possibly a twice-to-beat advantage — did not go down without a fight.
Bucking an ejection to big man Precious Momowei for two unsportsmanlike fouls that led to injuries to the face of both Mo Tounkara and Gelo Crisostomo, Jack Cruz-Dumont sizzled late as he led the cavalry against UST.
With less than three minutes remaining in the ball game, Cruz-Dumont hit a three that got UE within five, 64-69, but Cabañero was able to extinguish the fire with another and-one conversion.
Cabañero eventually tallied a season-high 27 points.
Seeing his players gut it out in a highly physical game, UST head coach Pido Jarencio lauded the team for being able to stay steady for the much-needed victory.
“‘Yung players, hindi bumigay till the end. Syempre, meron din 'yung masasabi mong run [ng UE]. They took 3-4 three-point shots para dumikit.” said Jarencio, who also noted that they were offering the win to UST’s Fr. Rodel Cansancio, who is celebrating his birthday.
“We’re focused lang, especially sa last games na magdi-dicate sa amin kung makakapasok kami sa Final Four. This game is important for us. Nakita mo ‘yung desire sa players.” he added.
Emotions were high late in the ball game, especially during the tense moments before Momowei’s ejection. But with their sights set on the Final Four, the Growling Tigers remained in control of their fate.
Though still not assured of the semis spot with the standings all knotted up in the bottom half, the Growling Tigers were able to create a little breathing space at 6-7—where they are now one game ahead of 5th placers FEU at 5-8.
It also eliminated one of the teams in contention for the Final Four—the Ateneo Blue Eagles. At 3-9, the Katipunan team cannot catch up with the Growling Tigers anymore.
This officially ends Ateneo's streak of nine consecutive Final Four appearances, according to statistician Pong Ducanes.
But, even if the Tigers have padded their hopes for the Final Four, there is still work to do with a game remaining in eliminations.
They face fellow semis contender Adamson in their last game of eliminations on Saturday, November 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.