Tigers down Tamaraws
University of Santo Tomas salvaged some measure of pride by snapping its six-game losing skid at the expense of Far Eastern University, 57-53, at the end of its UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball campaign on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigers finally bared their fangs with big man Christian Manaytay at the forefront of their assault to finish the season with a victory.
Despite the win, UST head coach Pido Jarencio couldn't help but contemplate their overall performance after registering only two wins against 10 losses to finish at the bottom standings for the second straight season.
“Disappointing season for us," Jarencio said.
"I take full responsibility. I disappointed the UST community. Humihingi ako ng pasensya sa kanila. For sure well be better next season. It’s still a bad season, two wins,” he added.
Manaytay carried the fight for the last time for the Tigers by flirting with a double-double outing of 12 points and nine rebounds, while Migs Pangilinan scored 10 markers.
Similarly, UST ended the opening round with a win over the FEU side to end its 19-game losing streak, the longest in school history.
Manaytay gave the Growling Tigers an 11-point lead off a layup at the 6:53 mark as they briefly pulled away in the fourth period.
However, UST nearly squandered the advantage as FEU came within three after Jorick Bautista made a huge triple with 18 seconds left in the game, 56-53.
Paul Manalang then pretty much iced the game at the free throw line as any attempts from beyond the arc of Bautista and Xyrus Torres went nowhere.
Bautista, who hit a last-minute three-pointer to give FEU a final shot to potentially knot the game, delivered 17 points in the losing effort.
James Tempra, for his part, added 10 points and grabbed six rebounds.
The Tamaraws wound up with a 3-11 record to remain in the seventh spot for the second straight season. The scores:
UST 57 – Manaytay 12, Pangilinan 10, Cabañero 8, Calum 7, Ventulan 7, Laure 6, Gesalem 3, Manalang 2, Lazarte 2, Llemit 0, Duremdes 0, Crisostomo 0.
FEU 53 – Bautista 17, Tempra 10, Ona 8, Faty 5, Gonzales 4, Torres 4, Competente 3, Sleat 2, Bagunu 0, Beato 0, Buenaventura 0, Montemayor 0, Felipe 0.
Quarters: 18-9, 32-24, 47-37, 57-53.