Nic Cabañero and the rest of the UST Growling Tigers during a win over the FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Losing three in a row to open the second round had University of Santo Tomas feeling a sense of urgency heading into their game against Far Eastern University on Sunday.

In dire need of a victory to bolster their Final Four bid, the Growling Tigers regained their winning form with Nic Cabañero spearheading a collective effort in a 79-70 win over the Veejay Pre-led Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The Tigers coach Pido Jarencio reminded their Final Four goal, which was understood by his players and showed a sense of urgency to regain their winning ways and improve to a 5-6 record in fourth place.

Job’s not done for UST as the Tigers seek to enter the Final Four. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/DS3GGSmDDr

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 27, 2024

“Do-or-die game ang mindset namin. Kaya yung mga bata, they really worked hard para manalo,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio, whose squad moved a game and a half ahead of Ateneo, Adamson and FEU at No. 4 in the standings.

Cabañero, who scored a team-high 16 points, said it was the only reminder the Tigers needed to finally get back into the win column.

“In the locker room, all we can say is that we’re aiming for the Final Four. That’s it. And with that just one word from coach Pido, and the coaches, parang dun na kami namotivate agad eh,” he said. “I know na from our past three games, I know na we’re getting there. Kayang kaya namin manalo but unfortunately, hindi kami nanalo. So yun ginawa namin yun na motivation for us also.”

Cabañero, who is in his fourth year, said the string of losses to last year’s finalists LaSalle and UP and Ateneo strengthened their brotherhood.

“Doon kasi nasusukat yung brotherhood namin eh. With those tough times na naexperience namin during that time. So, parang dapat maging motivated kami instead of being down. Kasi malaki pa yung chance namin to be in the Final Four so we set our minds that it’s our goal,” said Cabañero.

“I know that the other teams are trying to win also, to be in the final four. And dapat mas double pa yung effort namin. Di naman nagkulang yung coaches to remind us na to be tough on the defense, lahat lahat naman ng system nila, binigay na talaga.”

After one losing season after another, Cabañero is hellbent on ending the Tigers’ five-year Final Four drought.

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“Iniisip namin every game that it’s our championship game. We don’t need to relax. Kasi look at the standings. From fourth to eighth, parang kayang kaya humabol for the Final Four eh. So yun, kailangan din talaga kami magrelax and stick to the system,” he said.

UST returns to action against National University on November 6.solare

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