IT won’t be another one-win season for the Tigers, after all.
University of Sto. Tomas took its final bow in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament with win No. 2 against Far Eastern University, 57-53, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
In a rather forgettable campaign, Migs Pangilinan gave the UST faithful a worthwhile exit with 10 points, five boards, three assists, and two steals.
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The Tigers (2-12) bow out of the tournament in last place for the second season running, and will miss the Final Four for the third time since Season 84.
“Disappointing season for us, no? Dalawa lang yung pinanalo. I take full responsibility. I disappointed the UST community at humihingi ako ng pasensya sa kanila. But for sure, we’ll be better next year with our recruits na nandyan na,” rued UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
“My only regret is coming into the season, may anak akong hindi nagsabi ng totoo (at) pagdating ng dulo, iniwan kami. ‘Yung 15 players na naiwan sa’kin, wala akong masasabi sa kanila,” he added.
The España side saved its best for last as it took control of a low-scoring contest right from the opening tip.
Jorick Bautista’s (17 points) late-game eruption axed UST’s game-high 15-point lead to just four.
But as outgoing FEU senior L-Jay Gonzales was held to only four points and fouled out in the final two minutes, Pangilinan and Christian Manaytay (12 points) denied the Tamaraws’ skid-snapping comeback to double the Tigers’ win output this season.
FEU, meanwhile, ended its season in seventh place with a 3-11 card, losing its last six games.
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.
Quarterscores: 18-9, 32-24, 47-37, 57-53.
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