UST point guard Forthsky Padrigao during a game against FEU in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas coaching staff credited point guard Forthsky Padrigao for keeping the Growling Tigers together after losing back-to-back games in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Padrigao restored the order for UST, tallying a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists as the Tigers beat Far Eastern University, 83-72, and finished the first round with a much needed on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Credit din kay Forthsky kasi gina-gather niya yung team. Especially ang problem kasi namin for the past two games is after second half, yung third quarter namin. Doon kami medyo nagaalangan. So kanina, even if nakakahabol yung FEU, positive lang yung team and nagtulong tulong,” said UST assistant coach Japs Cuan, speaking for Pido Jarencio.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
Tounkara and Padrigao on ending a two-game skid. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/F048CvNoXP
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 5, 2024
The UST newcomer, who came from Ateneo’s championship run in 2022, emphasized that he is just embracing his leadership role for the Growling Tigers, who are raring to rise from a dismal past three seasons.
“I think that’s what’s expected of me because I came here having the experience,” said Padrigao. “But at the end of the day collective effort pa rin ang pagli-lead. Apat kami diyan, ako, si Migs [Pangilinan], si Christian [Manaytay] and si Nic [Cabañero]. Tinutulungan din nila ako sa ibang aspects kung saan sila pwedeng makatulong. Masaya lang ako na nagagawa ko yung role na dapat kong gawin.”
Padrigao, who anchored the team’s 18 assists, said that the Tigers will have to continue sharing the ball to keep winning after a 4-3 finish in the first round.
READ: UAAP: With Padrigao leading the way, UST seeks return to mighty status
“The past two games, our assist and turnover rate, masyadong mataas e. We needed to make some adjustments. We are at our best pag we’re sharing the ball so yun lang ang ginawa rin namin today and thankfully, nagbunga sa panalo,” said Padrigao as they limited their turnovers to seven.
Padrigao urges the Tigers to stick together and embrace their strengths ahead of a tougher second round starting next week.
“We’re expecting the games are gonna be tougher kasi nagkalaban na lahat ng teams, nakita namin yung strength and weaknesses ng isa’t isa but then again, come the second round, may mga adjustments na mangyayari so we’re just expecting na talagang mas mahirap yung mga magiging panalo namin,” Padrigao said.