By MARK REY MONTEJO
As University of Santo Tomas marched into its second straight Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, head coach Pido Jarencio summed up the early success into three words: “We are here.”
Yes, they’re belong in the upper echelons.
Once a superb 5-1 start that was derailed by a four-game skid, the Growling Tigers have found their offensive rhythm anew as they went three in a row capped by an 80-71 stunner over league-leading National University (11-3) to lock up the No. 3 spot last Sunday, Nov. 23, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, City.
“Nice record no’ng first round tas four [straight] losses… maraming nagdududa, papasok ba ‘tong UST na ‘to? Ano ba ‘tong UST na ‘to joke lang ba ‘to?,” said Jarencio.
“No, we’re here. Parating na kami… this is my third year… first year ko alam nyo naman medyo kumapa palang tayo no’n… last year and this year is our team,” he added.
In their redemption win over the Bulldogs, second stringers Gelo Crisostomo (13), Mark Llemit (11), and Amiel Acido (11) rose to the occasion, reducingb the burden for super rookie Collins Akowe, who had another double-double outing off 11 points and 11 rebounds with three assists.
“Pinaghirapan talaga namin ‘to sa practice [palang], si coach Pido sobrang focus samin, kasi nga ‘yong NU, no. 1 sila eh, parang kami gusto naming manalo kaya talagang gigil kami” said Llemit. “Importante din ‘tong game na ‘to samin kasi pag nanalo kami pasok kami sa Final Four.”
Main gunners in Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero also did well, posting nine points each for UST, while Forthsky Padrigao added eight points to overcome a balanced attack from the NU side.
Not bad for the Tigers, who almost forfeited the crucial tiff after a miscommunication within the UST staff led to the wrong set of uniforms being brought — white instead of the required dark kits.
The victory just tightened the hold of the España-based at third spot with an 8-5 card which resulted in a semifinal rematch with twice-to-beat holder and reigning champion University of the Philippines (10-4).
It can be recalled that the Fighting Maroons had beaten the Tigers, 78-69, in the semis round of Season 87 where they eventually won the title after outlasting Kevin Quiambao-led De La Salle Green Archers in a rubber match.
But Jarencio, who steered the Tigers to their 18th championship during his first tenure back in Season 69 in 2006, took a moment to credit his players, fellow coaches, and the entire UST community for their support, and vowed to be ready when they face UP in the semifinals.
“I don’t want to talk about the stats, technical na bagay ‘to eh, basta kami we work so hard for this season, ‘yong last three games na nanalo kami, talaga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata at mga coaches, this is for the UST community,” Jarencio continued.
“It’s all about the players, ‘yong desire, grit andon, ‘yong gusto nilang manalo to get in the Final Four, whatever happens kalaban namin UP, we have to be ready for sure,” he added.
Assured of the advancing to the next stage, UST has one remaining game left to strut its wares when it challenges semis hopeful Far Eastern University (6-7) this Wednesday, Nov. 26.
