By Jun Ray Navarres
Nic Cabañero and the University of Sto. Tomas snapped their 19-game losing streak and finally triumph against Far Eastern University in the the Battle of España of UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball, Sunday, at the Mall of Asia Arena
Cabañero’s heroics ignited the Growling Tigers’ hunt for a win, forcing an and-one play to give his team a 55-50 lead just before the end of the third stanza.
With the newly found confidence, UST immediately got away with a 62-52 lead, four minutes into the final quarter. Migs Pangilinan went on to sink a three, establishing an 11-point cushion – UST largest lead.
FEU tried to recover but UST’s hunger prevailed until the last shot of Cabañero which established a 68-62 final score.
“Masarap ‘yong feeling kasi after a long time we won. Credit to the boys, they really gave it all. Nagsama-sama kami so ‘yong bonding nila, it helps,” said UST deputy Japs Cuan since head coach Pido Jarencio could not make the post-game presser after losing voice.
Cabañero capped his season performance with 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Christian Manaytay finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
“Thank you, God, sa binigay niyo sa amin na panalo – sa UST community. Super-duper thankful din ako sa mga coaches, teammates, staff pati ‘yong management namin kasi tuloy-tuloy pa rin nila na nili-lift up ang puso namin na kaya pa rin namin ipakita yung Puso, Pride, Palaban,” said third-year guard Cabañero.
“This will give us confidence going into the next round. We’re going to be happy today and we’re going to work again.”
The trio of LJ Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, and Jorick Bautista tallied for 11 points a piece for struggling Tamaraw, shooting only 29.6% (24/81) from the field.
UST now stands at 1-6 record just behind FEU and University of the East who were tied at 2-5.
Featured photo courtesy of UAAP
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