University of Santo Tomas has long struggled to establish itself as a dominant force in UAAP boys’ basketball, especially against perennial contenders like National University-Nazareth School, Far Eastern University-Diliman, and reigning champion Adamson University.
These three powerhouses have consistently secured podium finishes in the post-pandemic era of the league, while UST has often found itself just outside the winner’s circle.
The Tiger Cubs have become synonymous with fourth-place finishes—first in Season 85 under former head coach Jinino Manansala, and again in Season 86 during the first year of Manu Iñigo’s tenure.
Their struggles date even further back, including another fourth-place finish in Season 80 and consecutive fifth-place results in Seasons 81 and 82.
For Grade 12 studs Charles Bucsit and Charles Esteban, two of the four holdovers from Manansala’s Season 85 roster, this season is a chance to rewrite their narrative.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With their final year in the program, they are determined to lead UST past its fourth-place ceiling.
That hunger was on full display Sunday afternoon, as the two graduating players took charge in the crucial moments to propel UST to an 84-68 upset of Adamson, securing their second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
After the Baby Falcons trimmed a 19-point deficit to just 56-54 entering the fourth quarter, Bucsit stepped up when it mattered most. He sparked a decisive run, pushing UST to a 75-61 advantage with 3:19 remaining.
Esteban then delivered the finishing blows, scoring back-to-back layups to extend the lead to 81-68 with 1:21 left on the clock.
“Wala na kaming ibang goal pa this season kung hindi mag-champion lang. Kaming holdovers, three years na kasi kami dito ng mga natira, pero puro kami fourth place,” shared Bucsit, who finished with an impressive 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and four assists.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Esteban, on the other hand, credited his international experience with Gilas Pilipinas Boys as a key factor in boosting his confidence and performance.
During the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers and the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, the 6-foot-4 center averaged 6.4 points and 3.5 rebounds across seven games, which he believes has prepared him for this season’s challenges.
“Malaking tulong din siya kasi nadagdagan yung kumpyansa namin. Nabigyan kami ng parang may strength na parang bang may bitbit kami na experience galing sa ibang bansa,” said Esteban.
Their stellar performances highlighted not only their hunger to win but also the Tiger Cubs’ ability to thrive as a team.
Head coach Manu Iñigo emphasized that the win reflected the team’s collective effort and adaptability, proving that UST’s success isn’t solely reliant on Senegalese forward Racine Kane.
“That’s what I’ve been telling them naman—always stay ready. This is a team game. Hindi puwedeng isang tao lang. ‘Yon din inalis ko sa mindset nila na before pagpasok, gusto nila angkinin yung game at gusto nila makashoot agad. I just told them na stay ready lang and let the game come to you. Luckily naman, nakikinig yung players at nakapag-produce naman sila,” said Iñigo, a former San Beda Red Cubs mentor.
With the Tiger Cubs now gaining momentum, Bucsit, Esteban, and the rest of the Cubs have their eyes set on breaking the fourth-place streak and finally bringing UST back to the top of UAAP boys’ basketball.
