After the UST Growling Tigers survived the La Salle Green Archers in overtime in the Final Four of Asiabasket NSAC 2026, Growling Tiger Amiel Acido said that he’s just rewarding the trust given to him by his team as he accepts the responsibility of being UST’s main option.
“Malaki ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa akin. So ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa akin is binabalik ko lang din,” said Acido in an exclusive post-game interview with Rebanse.
The New Leader for the Growling Tigers
Ever since the departure of their graduating players like Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Kyle Paranada, UST has been searching for new leaders to step up—in Asiabasket and moving forward, particularly in time for UAAP Season 89.
And after scoring 33 big points, shooting 13-of-17 from the field to go along with 6 rebounds, an assist, and a steal to lead UST in the semifinals victory last Saturday night, Acido showed without doubt that he’s more than ready to take on a bigger role for the Pido Jarencio-mentored squad.
“For me I’m very happy and grateful lang lalo kase it’s a huge confidence boost para sa akin lalo na para sa mga teammates ko,” said the third-year Growling Tiger.
Amiel Acido Stays Calm and Composed
In a semis clash that saw four players get ejected due to a scuffle in the opening parts of the fourth quarter, Amiel Acido was one of the UST players who stayed composed and calm, knowing that their tournament stint was on the line.
“I stayed composed kasi nagtiwala ako sa teammates ko,” he added. “I know na matagal na namin ‘tong pinagta-trabahuhan lalo na sa practice, lalo na ‘yung mga ganung situations kasi kailangan naming masanay lalo kaming mga natirang veterans.”
Entering the Asiabasket NSAC finals, the men in black-and-gold now have a six-game winning streak and are once again facing the NU Bulldogs, the team they defeated back in the elimination round, 75-68.
The championship game between the NU Bulldogs and the UST Growling Tigers will take place later today at the Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan. Tip-off will be at 4:30 p.m.
