Twice in the last two seasons, the UST Growling Tigers made the UAAP Final Four, each time coming in at third. And each time, the España-based squad lost in the semis. So, if there’s one team hoping to finally get over the hump this upcoming Season 89, it is UST. Incoming senior and co-captain Mark Llemit, in particular, is more than eager to finally compete in the UAAP Finals.
A Hungry Growling Tiger
In the offseason, UST won championships in two preseason tournaments: NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour and Pinoyliga Cup—The Big Dance.
Despite their success in the offseason, Llemit admits that he is looking for more team achievements heading into the opening games this September 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“’Yung mindset lang namin na last year kasi parang nabitin kami. So, parang dalawang beses Final Four lang, and I hope ‘yung mindset namin ngayon higitan pa ‘yung mga past years namin,” he said during the UAAP Season 89 presser earlier this week. “I hope na makuha namin and makapunta kami ng Finals and pagtiyagaan namin ’yun.”
Back in Season 87, UST had a 7-7 record and was the third seed in the Final Four. They were then dispatched by the eventual champions, the UP Fighting Maroons. Last season, they improved their record to 8-6 but still ended up as the third seed. And just like in 2024, UP got the better of them again in the semis.
Leaning on Mark Llemit
UST sure has the weapons to finally get over that hump, and Mark Llemit is among the team’s more potent ones. And if his performance in the offseason is any indication, the incoming senior looks ready, having already won Finals MVP in the NSAC tournament. The offseason recognition, however, isn’t something he’s paying attention to at all.
“Hindi ko rin siya mina-mind na nangyari ’yun. So, parang ginawa ko siya na, gutom pa rin ako, parang hungry pa rin [ako] pagdating this season,” he said. “Gusto namin manalo, and I hope makuha namin ‘yung goal namin to win a championship.”
Winning a championship is something UST hasn’t done in two decades now. The last time the Growling Tigers did was back in 2006, with current head coach Pido Jarencio piloting that squad. With Mark Llemit leading a talented team this Season 89, maybe UST is due for another title run.
