UST’s Nic Cabanero during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Coming off a forgettable previous season, new-look University of Santo Tomas did not have to wait long to notch its first win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The Growling Tigers came out firing in the first half and blasted University of the East, 70-55, on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“First of all, this is a team effort. From the management, coaches and players,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio, whose squad finished at the bottom of the standing last season with a 2-12 slate. “Second, credit to the coaches for the game plan and everything … And the players [who really wanted] to win. They’re sharing the ball. They played as a group.”
“This [win] is important because this is already my team. We had a long preparation for this [and] we’re ready. This is a long season but for sure with the coaches we have, we’ll be ready,” he added.
READ: UAAP: New UST team has Cabanero hopeful of Final Four
Coach Pido on his coaching staff. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SMewydwJFU
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 8, 2024
Despite committing early fouls, Nic Cabañero still came up big for UST with 14 points including a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter as the Growling Tigers took a commanding 36-19 lead in the first half.
Malian Mo Tounkara and Christian Manaytay also stepped up for UST. Tounkara had 13 points, four rebounds and two steals while Manaytay chipped in 10 points and three rebounds.
Forthsky Padrigao, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle, made his much-awaited debut for the Tigers, tallying five points, six rebounds and seven assists.
“I credit everything to my teammates and all the coaches because they really trusted me and of course, [together with] Forthsky [Padrigao] and Migs [Pangilinan] we will continue to lead the team,” Cabañero said.
A turnaround jumper by Cabanero gave UST its biggest lead, 68-46, with 1:58 remaining.
READ: UAAP: Injured Chris Koon ruled out of Ateneo game vs UST
Precious Momowei paced UE with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds with four assists and a steal. Ethan Galang chipped in 11 points and Devin Fikes nine points and six rebounds before being helped off the court due to an injury in the final frame.
UST faces Ateneo, which will be without its captain Chris Koon due to a foot injury he sustained in the Blue Eagles’ loss to University of the Philippines last Saturday, on Wednesday.
UE, meanwhile, tries to bounce back against UP on Saturday.