MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers concluded their UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball campaign with a 57-53 repeat victory over Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Capiznon Christian Manaytay recorded 12 points and nine rebounds, while Miguel Pangilinan contributed 10 markers as the Growling Tigers completed the season with a 2-12 record, securing eighth place.
Filipino-American guard Vincent Ventulan, the sole graduating player for the Growling Tigers, ended his UAAP journey with seven points, two rebounds, and one assist in over 15 minutes of action.
“Deserve ni Coach Pido (Jarencio) itong panalo pati ng organization namin kasi we had a very rough season ngayon so we’re trying to find a way to win and syempre sinwerte kami na nanalo kami (vs. FEU),” Manaytay said.
The Growling Tigers started the game strongly, led by Manaytay and Ventulan, securing an 18-9 lead. They extended it to 10 points midway through the second quarter, ultimately settling for a 32-24 halftime advantage.
UST maintained a double-digit lead in the second half, reaching the largest margin at 15 points. However, FEU mounted a final push, narrowing the gap to 50-54 with consecutive hits by L-Jay Gonzales.
Split free throws by Paul Manalang and Nicael Cabañero extended UST’s lead to 56-50. FEU narrowed it to 53-56 with a Jorick Bautista triple, but a free throw by Manalang sealed the win for the Tigers.
“Disappointing season for us. Dalawa lang yung pinanalo. I take full responsibility. I disappointed the UST community, humihingi ako ng pasensya sa kanila but for sure we’ll be better next year,” said the Capiz-native Jarencio.
Bautista led the scoring with 17 points, featuring three three-pointers, while James Tempra contributed 10 markers as the Tamaraws concluded the season at seventh place with a 3-1 slate.
Gonzales concluded his collegiate career with a stat line of four points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block for the Tamaraws, which ended at seventh place./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
