Just when it seemed like Forthsky Padrigao’s chapter with Ateneo de Manila University had closed — after leaving the Blue Eagles under a cloud and transferring to the University of Santo Tomas in 2023 — fate orchestrated a dramatic reunion.
With all eyes on him, Padrigao kept his composure and put aside any lingering emotions to help UST outlast Ateneo, 98-89, at the Blue Eagle Gym in the first triple-overtime game in the Final Four era of the UAAP men’s division.
Stepping onto his former school’s home court, he paid respect to the Blue Eagle logo on the floor before leaving it as a winner.
The 6-foot guard from Zamboanga produced 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists, guiding the Growling Tigers across the finish line.
“For me, nothing personal eh. I’ve had good memories with Ateneo and with my teammates here,” he said.
“Kaya the game kanina, as much as I wanted to, I treated it as just another ballgame for me kasi if you think about those extra pa, baka ma-distract lang tayo. Nothing personal, just happy to be back here and happy na nakuha natin yung panalo.
“I’m really happy with my teammates today. They showed heart. They showed grit. KP (Kyle Paranada), Mark (Llemit) nung dulo, sila Collins (Akowe), even (Ivanne) Calum — ang gada ng pinakita nila especially nung nagkukulang na kami sa players nung overtime. The guys who needed to step up, they stepped up.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Growling Tigers seized the crucial moments, outscoring the Blue Eagles 13-4 in the decisive period. As players on both sides battled cramps and injuries, UST showed the resilience and fortitude to pull through.
When the final buzzer sounded, Padrigao, his teammates, and their coaches breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Amid the historic win, the former Blue Eagle highlighted the physical and mental preparation that made it possible.
“Inalagaan nila talaga kami. I think it’s a testament to our strength and conditioning workout pero yeah,” said the Season 85 Mythical Team member.
“Sabi namin sa dulo, alam namin pagod na yung katawan naming lahat so it was all about being mental sa dulo kaya I’m really proud of what the boys showed today.”
Now in his final year in the UAAP, Padrigao has experienced every high and low imaginable. He feels determined to keep the Growling Tigers grounded after such a memorable victory in Ateneo’s legendary gym.
There is still a bigger goal ahead, and UST is only beginning to prove that it is ready to end a 19-year drought.
“Not too high, not too low. We’ll just stay grounded. We have FEU on Wednesday and Adamson on Saturday,” he said.
“We just gotta focus on our next games.”
#WATCH: Forthsky Padrigao has nothing but love for Ateneo in his return to campus 🐯#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/YFbPl6OXXx
🎥 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/ThZs3aeCQD
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 11, 2025
