Missed Final 4 goal haunts Vigil’s final year as Growling Tiger

UST captain Louie Vigil. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With University of Santo Tomas ending its season on a whimper, Louie Vigil expressed discontent with how he finished his collegiate career.

“Personally, syempre di ako kuntento kasi di kami nakapasok eh. Yun naman talaga ang goal ko kaya ako bumalik this season, para makabalik sa Final Four,” he said.

Vigil bid his UAAP stint goodbye on Saturday with Growling Tigers falling short to Ateneo, 74-64.

READ: Ateneo survives UST, inches closer to twice-to-beat

He wound up with 14 points before fouling out with 1:52 left in the game as UST stumbled to a 3-11 card, its worst record in the Final Four era.

Describing UAAP Season 79 as an “emotional whirlwind” for him, Vigil found the best time to pour out all of his pent-up emotions on in his final game as a Growling Tiger.

“First half pa lang, parang kinakabahan na ako. Tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung nagawa ko na ba ang lahat?
Am I contented with this? There’s something in me na parang di ko nabigay lahat para sa UST community. There’s little bit of me din na sinasabi na tama na at nagawa ko na ang lahat,” he said.

READ: Prized recruit Akomo brings hope to UST after forgettable season

Though Vigil couldn’t hide his disappointment, he just hopes that this nightmarish season for the Growling Tigers can be a source of motivation for the holdovers next year.

“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na itanim nila sa puso’t isip nila yung nangyari ngayon para magkaroon sila ng extra fuel for them to be ready next year,” he said. “I’m confident na alam na nila ang dapat gawin, especially sa fourth kasi doon nagkakaroon ng lapses. Medyo minsan nakakadikit kami pero pag nag-run ang kalaban, sumusuko na. Sana may natutunan sila ngayong season na ito, di lang heartbreaks kundi learnings din.”

“I’m rooting for them next year. They’ll be better next year, for sure, in terms of the standings.”