UST Growling Tigers’ Amiel Acido. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is finally back in the UAAP men's basketball Final 4 after five years.

The Growling Tigers were able to do so after they dominated Adamson University, 75-49, in their Season 87 second-round clash, Saturday evening at the San Juan Arena.

This victory clinched them the third spot in the Season 87 playoffs, and they will be facing the University of the Philippines (UP) which holds a twice-to-beat advantage.

This is the first Final 4 appearance of the Growling Tigers since Season 82 in 2019.

In that year, they made the Finals all thanks to the efforts of former head coach Aldin Ayo, and previous stars Rhenz Abando, CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Brent Paraiso, and Season MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo.

The España-based squad was able to do this with the help of the breakout game of Amiel Acido, as the former University of Perpetual Help System DALTA juniors star finished with 14 points (4/5 3pts) — his career best in the UAAP so far.

"Nag-uumpisa na tayo, kailangan lang pagtiyagaan," said UST head coach Pido Jarencio after the game. "Basta kami ang goal namin is, after this — we are here in the playoffs — trabaho na ulit. Gawa tayo ng game plan kung paano talunin ang UP. Parang David and Goliath yan, medyo maganda yung labanan na ito. Basta kami, laban lang kami, prepara kami."

"Twice to beat sila, malay mo. bilog ang bola, may tsamba. Ganyan lang kami. Basta dito lang kami sa baba, nasa lupa lang kami, tignan natin," he continued.

UST's 23-4 third quarter was also pivotal in their victory. No Soaring Falcon aside from Royce Mantua (three-pointer) and Ced Manzano (1-of-2 FTs) made baskets in that span, while it was also in that same frame wherein Acido made eight of his total markers, six of which came from beyond the arc. 

The Growling Tigers continued with its onslaught in the fourth and widened their advantage to 28, 75-47, after a Kyle Paranada three-pointer with under a minute left in the contest, and this eventually allowed them to close out the eliminations with a 7-7 record.

Aside from Acido, Nic Cabañero also paced the Tigers to triumph, posting 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, Mo Tounkara and Paranada followed with 11 and nine, respectively, while Forth Padrigao scattered seven markers and six dimes. 

On the other hand, the Soaring Falcons, who fell to 5-8, leaned on Matthew Montebon’s 14 points, 11 of which came in the first half, and former Growling Tiger Mantua’s nine. 

Fortunately, despite the loss, their Final 4 hopes are still alive. A playoff for the last spot will happen between them and them and the University of the East will happen if Adamson beats Ateneo de Manila University on November 23, and if the Red Warriors lose on Wednesday against UP. 

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. 

Adamson 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.