MANILA, Philippines -- As early as now, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers are keeping a close watch on the league standings in the UAAP Season 82 men's basketball tournament.

The Growling Tigers currently sit at third place with a 4-2 win-loss record, just half a game behind University of the Philippines (4-1).

"Right now, the players, the coaches, even the managers, the whole team, we are very conscious doon sa standings," UST head coach Aldin Ayo said on Sunday, after the Tigers booked their fourth win by downing Far Eastern University, 82-74.

"As early as now, we're trying to win the games that we can, of course, and compete. Compete, kasi ayaw namin na pagdating sa second round, naghahabol," he explained.

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As they approach the final stretch of the first round, Ayo is determined to have his team control its own destiny and not rely on other teams to boost its Final 4 chances.

"I always tell the players na right now, hawak pa natin ang manibela eh," he pointed out.

"Ang ayaw nating mangyari, come second round, nagdadasal tayo na sana matalo 'yung team na 'to, tapos sana manalo 'yung team na 'to," he added.

"So we don't want that to happen. Right now, we want to be in control."

Thus, while they are in a good position right now, Ayo said the work never stops for the Tigers and their coaching staff as they look to keep improving and rising in the ranks.

"This is a tough competition," stressed Ayo, who steered De La Salle University to the UAAP title in Season 79 and a runner-up finish in Season 80 before jumping ship to UST.

"Kung anong binabato sa amin, we have to adjust. We cannot rely on one game plan," he said. "Every day, you have to keep on improving, and every game you have to, dapat may bago kang hinahain sa mesa. Otherwise, mapapag-iwanan ka."

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