UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio remained in high spirits despite failing to lead the Growling Tigers to a vital game against the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Basketball Season 87 Final Four.
UST made its first Final Four appearance in five years after losing 78-69 to a more experienced UP team that was making its fourth straight finals appearance.
Article continues after this ad
“It’s a strain on our experience,” Jarencio said Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Honestly, apart from Forthsky (Padrigao), no one from this squad played in the Final Four. It’s new for them, but we gave up a great game.”
READ: UAAP: UP reaches fourth consecutive final, beats UST
Unfortunately for the Growling Tigers, Forthsky Padrigao was sent off after picking up his second unsportsmanlike foul with over three minutes left in the game.
Article continues after this ad
Still, Jarencio praised his players for fighting hard against a formidable UP team led by Harold Alarcon.
“I’m happy because the children fought. “The most important thing is that even though we missed free throws, they played great, which gave them the second chance to score points and (Harold) Alarcon even exploded,” Jarencio said.
UST coach Pido Jarencio.–UAAP PHOTO
“Let’s give it UP. They played well and showed their experience of always being in the finals and playoffs.”
Alarcon had 16 points while Francis Lopez also contributed 16 points as the Fighting Maroons reached the championship round for the fifth time in six seasons.
READ: UAAP: Millora-Brown thrives with ‘bad’ Final Four win over UST
The troika of Kyle Paranada, Gelo Crisostomo and Nic Cabañero each lost 12 points in the loss.
“Di naman lahat immediately,” said Jarencio, who also mentioned that UST will have about “four or five” recruits for next season. “Especially in this era of basketball where everything changes. All (teams) are evolving, the level of competition is increasing, but we’ll just be consistent as the program continues and we’ll see how we do next year.”
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription was successful.
Christian Manaytay, who had 10 points and eight rebounds, Chase Lane and Migs Pangilinan played their final game for UST.