The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers snapped their four-game losing streak as they defeated the University of the East, 109-97, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In the fourth quarter, the Red Warriors trimmed the deficit to just nine points, 83-92, with 4:32 minutes remaining. Thankfully for the Growling Tigers, Amiel Acido had a successful layup and Mark Llemit shot back-to-back triples to extend their lead, 100-93.

At the end, the insurmountable 17-point lead was too much for the Red Warriors, who remain winless this tournament.

“Credit lang din dito sa mga players namin na through adversity, they stuck together. Kahit na mahirap, but naniwala pa rin sila sa isa’t isa,” said Growling Tigers assistant coach Japs Cuan said after the match.

Nic Cabañero led the Growling Tigers with 19 points and three assists, while Collins Akowe had another double-double performance of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Gelo Crisostomo added 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Forthsky Padrigao contributed 11 points. Acideo finished the game with 10 points and seven rebounds.

For the Red Warriors, Wello Lingolingo led the team with 18 points, while Dylan Despi added 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Precious Momowei had another double-double performance of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Jhon Jimenez added 15 points.

Later that day, the National University Bulldogs are a step closer to having a twice-to-beat advantage in the final four with a clutch 70-64 victory against Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

FEU’s Jedric Daa and Janrey Pasaol cut the deficit to just three, 64-67, in the dying seconds of the match. However, Bulldog Jake Figueroa delivered a crucial three-pointer to seal the deal, 70-64.

“Sa game, siguro hindi pa rin ganon kami ka-satisfied kasi alam na namin na ito ‘yung papasok ng last stretch. Mayroong challenge na tina-try to explain sa players na ito ‘yung challenge na kailangan mo abutin. Ito ‘yung next level na kailangan niyo i-meet up para ‘yung next stage na gusto namin mangyari, magawa namin talaga ng tama,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa.

Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while PJ Palacielo contributed 10 points.

Janrey Pasaol led the Tamaraws with 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa added 10 points and five rebounds.

6-5

After opening the series with an impressive 5-1 win-loss record, the Growling Tigers suffered a five-game losing streak, dropping down in the standings with a 5-5 card. Thankfully, they snapped the losing streak against the University of the East Red Warriors.

For Growling Tigers captain Nic Cabañero, their renewed winning mindset came from everyone on the team being ready from start to finish, avoiding fourth-quarter meltdowns that had happened before.

“It’s not about me, Nic Cabañero, it’s not about Collins Akowe, it’s not about Forthsky Padrigao. We need to be ready from the first man to the 16th man. Isa rin ‘yung ego, but we have respect for each other,” he said.

“It all starts sa leadership namin ni Forthsky na dapat stay together pa rin kami as a unit. Of course, malaki tiwala ni Coach Pido [Jarencio] sa amin, e, and all the coaching staff na kami talaga ‘yung mag-take over on that, so di muna kami mag-press ng panic button on that, but ‘yun, gratefully and thankfully, nakuha namin ‘yung panalo.”

Now that they have another chance to return to the final four, Cabañero revealed the secret to their victory.

“Stick lang talaga kami kung ano yung routines namin, and we are just enjoying it when we shoot free throws like that. Malaki yun eh, to boost our confidence and make those shots,” Cabañero ended.

1:18

With 1:18 minutes remaining in the game, Jake Figueroa delivered the most clutch performance of his career with a dagger that ultimately sealed the victory for the National University.

After the game, he deflected the credit back to the coaching staff for their 10th victory of the season.

“Lagi ko na lang iniisip ‘yung sinasabi ni coach na maglaro sa strength ko, kasi ‘yung ibang games ko nga parang hindi ako ‘yung naglalaro, e. Kumbaga may mga gusto akong gawin na di naman sang-ayon sa systema. And kahit papaano, ngayon napakita ko ulit ‘yung strength ko which is kahit papaano nakatulong ako sa rebounds and sa defense,” he said.

Aside from the coaching staff, Figueroa also said that the Bulldogs crowd gave him energy throughout the match.

“Grateful kami kasi nanalo kami and ‘yung mga crowd din isa sa mga reasons, kumbaga sa energy namin. Sobrang saya kasi kahit papaano para makauwi sila na sasabihin nila na sulit ‘yung nood,” he ended.