UST’s Nic Cabanero. Photo from UAAP Media

MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas opened UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament on a high note.

This, after the Growling Tigers triumphed over the University of the East, 70-55, during their Sunday afternoon clash at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Nic Cabañero had 14 points — two of which came at the two-minute mark of the fourth to extend their lead to its biggest 22, 68-46 — on top of three rebounds and two assists.

Following him was Mohamed Tounkara with 13 markers, while Christian Manayay finished with 10. Also starring was new UST player Forthsky Padrigao who had five points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes of action.

But more than the win, what is more important for UST head coach Pido Jarencio is opening a new phase in the España-based team in the right manner.

"Happy ako dito sa first game namin," he said after the game that they opened with an 18-8 start and led until the final buzzer. 

"Ito yung breakout game namin. Masasabi ko na makuha lang namin 'to, yung namin confidence tataas," added Jarenio.

The Tigers entered the year with nine new players, some of them being Padrigao, Tounkara, Kyle Paranada, Amiel Acido, Leland Estacio, Zain Mahmood, and Chase Lane. And aside from retooling their Season 86 roster that won just two games, what is more important for Jarencio is finally having a team that is designed to his liking.

"Simple lang, madaling kausap 'tong mga 'to. Itong mga batang 'to, itong mga players na lumipat sa amin, tas yung mga coaches na nandito sa amin madali sila kausap, gusto magtrabaho, gusto tumulong sa akin, gusto tulungan ang UST. That's it," he said.

"Basta gustong tumulong at nasa puso, madaling ka-trabaho lahat. Kaya itong mga 'to madaling ka-trabaho, ang inalis namin mga bad vibes, basta bad vibes alis. ganun lang," he quipped.

UST’s Forthsky Padrigao. Photo from UAAP Media

UST showed glimpses of the fruits of this with their advantages in rebounding (45-36) and assist department (24-12), and Coach Pido expects his team to up their level even more as the season progresses. 

"Itong mga 'to, yung mga character nila 'di magbabago 'to. Makikipag pitpitan 'tong mga 'to, makikipag patayan. Makikita niyo yung excitement sa mga players na 'to, and I'm also excited para sa kanila — para sa kanila 'to, 'di para sa akin," the coach stressed.

Meanwhile, the Red Warriors, who are now without Rey Remogat, leaned on Precious Momowei's 12-point, 10-rebound game and Ethan Galang's 11 markers. 

The Jarencio-coached team will return to action on Wednesday at the same venue when they face Ateneo de Manila University at 6:30 p.m., while Jack Santiago's troops will hope to bounce when they face the University of the Philippines on Saturday, September 14, 6:30 p.m., also at the Big Dome.

The Scores:

UST 70 -- Cabanero 14, Tounkara 13, Manaytay 10, Llemit 9, Padrigao 5, Pangilinan 5, Crisostomo 4, Paranada 4, Robinson 2, Acido 2, Lane 2, Estacio 0, Laure 0, Mahmood 0.

UE 55 -- Momowei 12, Galang 11, Fikes 9, Wilson 9, Lingolongo 4, Abate 2, J. Cruz-Dumont 2, Mulingtapang 2, Maga 2, Malaga 2, H. Cruz-Dumont 0, Go 0, Spandonis 0, Robles 0.

Quarterscores: 18-8, 36-19, 50-35, 70-55.