Forthsky Padrigao once again showcased why University of Santo Tomas recruited him after his departure from Ateneo de Manila University.
The 5-foot-11 court general from Zamboanga City made a crucial step-back basket over National University’s Kenshin Padrones, giving UST a slender two-point cushion with just 29 seconds remaining.
He then converted a free throw to seal the 67-64 victory for the Growling Tigers.
With Padrigao’s heroics, UST improved its record in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament to 3-1 – marking a significant step in their campaign.
However, Ateneo’s former PG1 was quick to deflect the praise, emphasizing that the win was a collective effort.
“First of all, siyempre, masaya kasi na-shoot ko yung final possession na yan, pero if nakita niyo yung laro ko in those previous – pangit yung pinakikita ko para sa team eh,” he said.
“Thankful ako sa mga seniors ko, sa mga leaders ko: Christian (Manaytay), Migs (Pangilinan), and Nic (Cabañero) and everybody sa team. Sinalo nila ako habang foul trouble ako, so credit pa rin sa kanila kasi throughout the game nandun kami,” he went on.
“We stuck with NU and we gave our team a chance to win the ball game. Thankfully, nakuha namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After three seasons in the wilderness, the Growling Tigers are competitive once again, with Padrigao serving as a key component in their steady rise.
For the first time since Season 82, UST finally has a top point guard to rally behind, reminiscent of former stars like Renzo Subido and Mark Nonoy.
Despite his endgame heroics against the Bulldogs, Padrigao remained humble and reiterated his commitment to helping the team that welcomed him when others did not.
“Di ko naman iniisip yun. Ang akin lang ay gusto ko lang makatulong sa kung saang team ako mapunta,” he stated.
“Coach Pido (Jarencio) kasi malaki yung tiwala niya sa akin. Sinasabihan niya kami na, ‘Sige, kayo na dumiskarte diyan.’ May tiwala siya sa capabilities namin as players. Yun yung gusto mo kay Coach Pido kasi binibigyan ka niya ng kumpiyansa, and hopefully masusuklian namin.”
Looking ahead, UST’s next challenge will be against defending champion De La Salle University next Sunday.
Although facing a Kevin Quiambao-powered La Salle team will be tough, the Growling Tigers are eager for the opportunity.
Despite being a former Blue Eagle, Padrigao downplayed the notion of extra motivation when facing the Green Archers.
For him, the focus remains on contributing to UST’s success.
“Wala naman. I’m with UST right now. Our goal, siyempre, is to win pa rin, but then again it’s a championship team, so it’s gonna be hard for us. We have a week to prepare, and let’s see come Sunday kung ano yung magiging resulta,” he said.
