As their UAAP Season 88 campaign ended in a heart-stopping 82-81 loss to finals-bound University of the Philippines, the future of the University of Santo Tomas men’s basketball program — and that of head coach Pido Jarencio and his staff — remains uncertain.
Having guided UST back to the podium with a third-place finish in Season 87 and another semifinal appearance this year in his second stint as head coach, the 61-year-old now faces an unclear path as his three-season contract concludes.
“Di ko na alam,” said the former Ginebra San Miguel star with his trademark humor.
“Di pa namin alam kung ano mangyayari sa amin, kung kami para rin o hindi na. Ok naman ako eh. Kung wala na, edi pumalit yung iba, yung nang-aaswang sa amin.”
He remained reflective, emphasizing the effort his team put forth.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Ganun lang naman yun eh. Pero kami, yung tama ginawa namin. Wala kaming maling ginawa. Maayos,” he added.
“Yung patay, binuhay namin, diba? In two years’ time, Final Four at third place.”
Jarencio had hoped to steer UST to their first finals appearance since Season 78, but it was not meant to be.
Terrence Fortea’s clutch three-pointer, coupled with graduating guard Nic Cabañero’s missed opportunities in the final moments, sealed the Growling Tigers’ fate.
Despite the narrow loss, Jarencio lauded his team’s effort and the unwavering support of the UST community.
“Breaks of the game na lang eh. Si Nic, binigay ko na sa senior player yung last two plays. Yung una kay Nic, open na open, pwedeng tawagan ng goaltending, pwede tawagan ng block,” he said.
“Walang tinawag eh. Second, kay Nic pa rin. Breaks of the game. Yun na lang yun. We did our best. Basta ako, nagpapasalamat ako sa community, yung dating nila, yung suporta nila. Yun lang naman sa akin. Basta kami, di kami nagkulang. Pinasaya namin lahat.”
In the scenario that Jarencio and his deputies will return to the UST bench next season, they have already ensured the addition of recruits who will come in for Season 89 as they try to finally bring the school back to the promised land.
If not, then he went out not just with pride, but with giving one last joke.
“Tibay pa rin tayo,” said the former Northport coach. “Meron kaming players na ni-recruit na ready na. Mga 5’2 pero yung kamay pang seven-footer. May seven-footer kami, ang kamay naman maliit. Sana pinagsama lahat.
“Basta masaya kami. Dito sa game na ‘to, masaya kami. Nalulungkot lang kami para sa mga seniors pero yung game itself, maganda nangyari. Either team pwede manalo. Dun lang sa big shot ni Fortea, yun na yun.”
#WATCH: WE DID OUR BEST 🐯
Despite a heartbreaking end to their season, UST head coach Pido Jarencio remains proud of the Growling Tigers’ stand#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/8gOexYgPpW
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/multwJ62c2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 3, 2025
