LEADING SCORER. University of Santo Tomas guard Nic Cabañero scores on a jumper against Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men's basketball at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday (Oct. 22, 2023). The Growling Tigers prevailed, 68-62, for its first win in seven starts. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas finally barged into the win column after more than a year, beating Far Eastern University, 68-62, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men's basketball at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.
UST finally won after 19 games, its losing streak dating back to the previous season which it finished at 1-13.
Its last victory was on Oct. 1, 2022 when it conquered Adamson University, 69-60, in the Season 85 opener.
"Thank you God sa binigay niyo sa amin na panalo, sa UST community, super duper thankful din ako sa mga coaches, teammates, staff pati yung management namin kasi tuloy-tuloy pa rin sila na nili-lift up ang puso namin na kaya pa rin namin ipakita yung Puso, Pride, Palaban (Thank you God for giving us the win, to the UST community. I am also super duper thankful to the coaches, teammates, staff and our management because they continue to lift up our hearts that we can still do it, show the Heart, Pride, Fight) mentality," said guard Nic Cabañero, who is on his third year with the team.
"This will give us confidence going into the next round. We're going to be happy today and we're going to work again...let's see what our adjustments are," added Cabañero, who led the Growling Tigers with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Christian Manaytay chipped in 10 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and one block for UST, which took a 55-50 advantage at the end of the third quarter.
Manaytay, Migs Pangilinan, Ivanne Calum and Paul Manalang scored back-to-back baskets to give UST a 65-54 lead, with 5:30 remaining.
Ljay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres and Jorick Bautista finished with 11 points each for FEU.
"Masarap 'yung feeling kasi after a long time we won. Credit to the boys. They really gave it all. Nagsama-sama kami so 'yung bonding nila, it helps (It's a good feeling because after a long time we won. Credit to the boys, they really gave it all. We got together so their bonding helps)," UST deputy coach Japs Cuan said in the post-game interview as head coach Pido Jarencio lost his voice during the game.
UST remained at the bottom though at 1-6 behind FEU and University of the East, both sporting 2-5 records.
University of the Philippines is unbeaten in six games, followed by National University (6-1), De La Salle University (4-3), Ateneo de Manila (3-3) and Adamson (3-4). (PNA)
