University of Santo Tomas punched its ticket to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Final Four after a third quarter storm diminished Adamson University, 75-49, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday night.
With the win, the Growling Tigers completed the eliminations with a 7-7 record. They mark their return to the postseason for the first time since Season 82 (2019), when they reached the Finals.
UST clinched the third seed and will face the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the semifinals – a rematch of their 2019 stepladder encounter.
“Unang-una, ‘yung first quarter, hindi naman kami nag-struggle, pero masyadong maganda ang start ng Adamson. Then we recovered. Ang difference is ‘yung second half – we became aggressive and started making our shots,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio, who steered the team to a dramatic turnaround after finishing 2-12 last season.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Growling Tigers took control with a third-quarter storm, outscoring the Soaring Falcons 23-4. They transformed a narrow 29-28 halftime lead into a commanding 52-32 advantage heading into the final frame.
This surge capped UST’s comeback from an early 14-3 deficit in the first quarter.
Amiel Acido and Nic Cabañero led the charge in the decisive third period, each contributing eight points.
“Super blessed. Happy ako with the guidance of the coaches and management. Sobrang natutuwa ako – kahit nag-struggle ako in the first half, they continued to cheer me up,” said Cabañero, who endured three challenging seasons before finally reaching the Final Four.
“Thank you sa UST community. Ginagawa ko talaga lahat. I stayed for three years. Meron pa akong one year next year.”
Rookie sharpshooter Acido delivered a career-high 14 points on an impressive 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, while Cabañero added 13 points and eight rebounds.
Cabañero also narrowly missed out on a third straight scoring title, finishing the season with 16.29 points per game – just behind reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao’s 16.64 points.
Malian center Mo Tounkara provided a strong interior presence with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. Meanwhile, Kyle Paranada chipped in nine points and six assists.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite the loss, Adamson (5-8) remains in contention for the last Final Four berth.
The Falcons must defeat the Ateneo Blue Eagles next Saturday and hope for a University of the East (UE) Red Warriors loss to UP on Wednesday to force a playoff for the final spot.
Adamson’s Mathew Montebon was the lone bright spot for the Falcons, scoring 14 points – 11 of which came in the first half.
However, key contributors Cedrick Manzano and Matt Erolon struggled heavily, going a combined 0-of-11 from the field.
The Growling Tigers now prepare for a high-stakes clash with the Fighting Maroons, hoping to carry their newfound momentum into the semifinals.
The Scores:
UST 75 – Acido 14, Cabañero 13, Tounkara 11, Paranada 9, Padrigao 7, Llemit 7, Manaytay 6, Crisostomo 5, Estacio 3, Laure 0, Danting 0, Lane 0, Pangilinan 0.
AdU 49 – Montebon 14, Mantua 9, Anabo 7, Dignadice 5, Yerro 4, Barcelona 4, Fransman 3, Ramos 2, Manzano 1, Erolon 0, Ronzone 0, Ojarikre 0, Calisay 0, Barasi 0, Ignacio 0, Alexander 0.
Quarterscores: 16-18, 29-28, 52-32, 75-49.
