UAAP: UST ends long losing streak at expense of FEU
UST’s Nic Cabañero.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas finally ended its 19-game losing streak with a 68-62 victory over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Nic Cabañero, who was part of the school’s longest losing spell dating back to their 1-13 finish last year, led the Growling Tigers with 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists to offset his five turnovers.
Cabañero scored 11 in the third quarter capped by a three-point play that gave UST a 55-50 lead.
With FEU’s defense focused on slowing down Cabañero, the Tigers drew timely plays from their other players. Migs Pangilinan hit a triple as part of a 13-3 run, pushing UST’s advantage to 11, 65-54, with 5:30 remaining.
“I was shouting at my teammates na kaya niyo yan pre. I think yung FEU they’re not allowing me to score again. So, sinasabihan ko sila Christian [Manaytay], si Paul [Manalang], si Migs [Pangilinan], si Kenji [Duremdes] na sama sama lang tayo kayang kaya natin and kung kaya niyo gawan ng paraan, kaya niyo yan,” said Cabañero.
“Thank God because he finally gave us this win. We’re also thankful to our supporters, the UST Community, my teammates, our coaches, and the management for keep on lifting up our hearts that we can still show: Puso, Pride, Palaban,” he added.
Xyrus Torres and L-Jay Gonzales connived to end a seven-minute field goal drought to trim it down to six, 65-59, with 2:47 left. A layup by Paul Manalang put the game away as UST avoided a winless campaign in the first round with a 1-6 slate.
UST coach Pido Jarencio, who politely declined the postgame interview after losing his voice in the game, earned his first win in his UAAP return.
“First of all, coach Pido would like to thank the UST community for their unending support to the team. We started 0-6. We also thank Boss Al [Francis Chua] and our sponsors. It feels good to win after a long time. Credit to the boys. They really gave it all,” said UST assistant coach Japs Cuan speaking for Jarencio.
Christian Manaytay also stepped up for UST with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds to go with two steals, one block, and an assist. Pangilinan had nine points and seven rebounds. Angelo Crisostomo had eight points and six rebounds, while Kenji Duremdes added seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
Gonzales, Torres, and Bautista led FEU with 11 points each with the former grabbing eight rebounds. Patrick Sleat had eight points and six rebounds, while Mo Faty had seven points and 13 rebounds only for their two-game winning streak to be halted by UST.
The Tamaraws dropped to a 2-5 record tied with the University of the East Red Warriors heading to the second round starting on Wednesday.
The Scores:
UST (68) – Cabañero 23, Manaytay 10, Pangilinan 9, Crisostomo 8, Duremdes 7, Calum 7, Manalang 4, Llemit 0, Laure 0, Gesalem 0, Lazarte 0, Esmena 0.
FEU (62) – Gonzales 11, Torres 11, Bautista 11, Sleat 8, Tempra 7, Faty 7, Ona 5, Competente 2, Alforque 0, Bagunu 0, Montemayor 0, Buenaventura 0, Felipe 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 38-34, 55-50, 68-62
