Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Basketball

Nic Cabañero’s Final Four dream within reach


In his fourth year, Nic Cabañero is finally on the cusp of making the Final Four, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

Cabañero joined a struggling University of Santo Tomas team back in Season 84, with the Growling Tigers still reeling from key losses during the pandemic.

UAAP-84-Mens-Basketball-UST-vs-UE-Nicael-Cabanero-2-scaled Nic Cabañero's Final Four dream within reach Basketball News UAAP UST  - philippine sports news

In his rookie year, UST only secured three wins under head coach Jinino Manansala, but Cabañero emerged as one of the team’s bright spots.

Things didn’t improve much in his sophomore season. The Tigers, under head coach Bal David, failed to find their rhythm in Season 85, managing just one win in 14 games.

UAAP85-Nic-Cabanero Nic Cabañero's Final Four dream within reach Basketball News UAAP UST  - philippine sports news

Despite the struggles, the 6-foot-3 forward developed into one of the team’s leaders.

The return of legendary UST coach Pido Jarencio in Season 86 also didn’t bring much change, as the Tigers finished with a 2-12 record.

UAAP-86-MBB-UP-vs.-UST-Nic-Cabanero-1639 Nic Cabañero's Final Four dream within reach Basketball News UAAP UST  - philippine sports news

But in his fourth year, the hard work is finally paying off.

The Growling Tigers are currently in fourth place with a 6-7 record after their 76-67 victory over the UE Red Warriors on Saturday.

“I’m just gonna do my job, kung anong ipinapagawa ng coaches at teammates ko sa akin,” said Cabañero, emphasizing his commitment to playing within the team’s system.

“I’m just willing to take the risk, everything. Gagawin ko lang yung best ko every game.”

Cabañero’s game is on the rise.

UAAP87-MBB-NIC-CABANERO-4526 Nic Cabañero's Final Four dream within reach Basketball News UAAP UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The Cebuano guard posted a personal season-high 27 points on an efficient 8-of-16 shooting from the field against UE.

However, despite being so close to clinching that coveted Final Four spot, there is no room for complacency if UST truly wants to end its three-season postseason drought.

#ReadMore  Didat Hanapi bids Adamson farewell, signs with Manila

That mindset is clear for Cabañero and the rest of the Growling Tigers, who are determined to secure their Final Four berth next Saturday when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

“I-absorb lang namin itong panalo na ito tapos kapag bukas, focus na kami sa next game namin. Hindi pa tapos ‘yung placing sa Final Four,” said Cabañero.

“Yun nga, dapat hindi pa kami mag-celebrate ngayon because we still have Adamson, so focus na kami after this day.”

Written By

Just a kid from Cavite trying to make a difference.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Aside from the pride of representing Gilas Pilipinas once again, Kevin Quiambao shared that his newborn son, Kevin Vennan, will serve as an added...

Football

Joseph Garces has had a debut campaign to remember with the University of the Philippines, scoring five goals in just eight matches in the...

ADMU

Far Eastern University-Diliman solidified its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournaments, virtually securing the championship in both the boys’ and...

ADMU

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) moved one match point away from securing a four-peat after dominating Far Eastern University (FEU), 3-1, in...

AdU

After more than five years, Adamson University finally experienced the thrill of victory in UAAP men’s football. The Soaring Falcons — winless in Seasons...

Basketball

Camille Clarin set the tone for National University’s dominance after the holiday break with an impressive performance in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball...

Basketball

Mike Phillips of the De La Salle Green Archers delivered an exceptional performance for De La Salle University following the holiday break in the UAAP Season...

Basketball

University of the East center Precious Momowei will be out for the Red Warriors’ upcoming match against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles...

Advertisement