UST Growling Tigers: Twice the heartbreak, thrice the hunger for title in UAAP Season 77

When Aljon Mariano bucketed two free throws to tie the game at 65-all with under a minute left in the payoff period, the crowd in yellow at the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena celebrated like it was in Season 69.

The next sequence left the De La Salle University hopefuls mummed after a failed possession. Former UST coach Pido Jarencio then called a timeout, with a mindset of making the most crucial play that will leave a mark in the collegiate basketball history.

Jeric Teng after Game 3 of UAAP men's basketball finals last
season. Photo by Tristan Tamayo of The Varsitarian

When the buzzer rung which signaled the continuation of the match, the UST crowd felt that the championship was at their hands. “We’re getting close of the title.”

The play was for the hot shooting Karim Abdul. But the Green Archers read it well, putting a stifling defense on the UST center which gave the Cameroonian the decision to pass the ball.

With just ticks away before the end of the game, Mariano, who was holding the ball situated at the three-point area, had no choice but to take the shot. All the people inside the Arena had no words to say. The ball hit the rim though, but missed. We’re going to overtime.

In the additional minutes of the deciding Game 3, former team captain Jeric Teng made a turnaround jumper which handed UST a 69-67 upperhand with just 34 seconds remaining before the declaration of a new champion. Defense wins championships.

Just when the things came on the side of the España cagers, the Green Archers rallied back with a 5-0 run to snatch the lead, 71-69. The last nine seconds decided whether UST can win the championship or not. Abdul took the last shot, but he failed.

For the second straight year, the Tigers suffered a heartbreaking finals’ loss.

The closing moments of UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball happened a blink of an eye. Now that a new season is approaching, UST’s campaign will come through an acid test. New coach, new faces, but the champion’s heart remains in España.

The departure of Teng will be the toughest challenge for the Tigers this season. More than his contributions of 14 points per game (ppg) is the leadership that he brings inside the court. Known to be as an explosive player, the former Xavier School star lifted UST to some of their pivotal wins last season despite having an injury at the start of the first round.

Another shooting guard also bid his goodbye last year. Tata Bautista was known for his “pamatay sunog” three-pointers, not to mention that he also contributed 7.74 ppg off the bench.

Losing the championship series twice is too much. The Tigers have no choice but to win the highly-coveted championship while their lineup is still formidable this year.

What’s up for UST in Season 76?

KEY LOSSES: Jeric Teng, Clark Bautista

KEY ADDITIONS: Coach Bong Dela Cruz, Renzo Subido, Gelo Sablan

KEY RETURNESS: Louie Vigil

LEADERS: Aljon Mariano, Karim Abdul, Kevin Ferrer

His name came into shock for many, but coach Bong Dela Cruz is already geared up for the challenges this year. Can he duplicate Pido’s rookie coach championship in 2006? Despite losing the Fr. Martin Cup’s finals to Perpetual (which is under UST four-peat architect Aric Del Rosario), Dela Cruz showed his strut in mentoring a team. The decision of trimming down his lineup to just 16 men was the first challenge for him.

The guard-heavy Growling Tigers, featuring rookies Levi Dela Cruz (NU), Gelo Sablan (UPIS) and Renzo Subido (De La Salle Zobel), will play under a tactician that has likewise have similarities with Jarencio’s system.

KEY PLAYERS

ALJON MARIANO (Forward, final year)

Season 76: 11.42 ppg, 7.32 rebounds per game (rpg), 2.16 assists per game (apg)

The one who took the “what-could-have-been” game-winning shot remains the most important player this for UST.

As this year’s team captain, Mariano has the task to cheer up his team when things are not going on their way. He is also one of the main offensive weapons of UST, alongside Abdul and Kevin Ferrer.

In Season 75, Mariano carried the team to a number of come-from-behind victories and ended up with 13.29 ppg. Last season, his numbers declined due to his injury.

“Marami akong natutunan, ‘di lang sa basketball kundi sa decision-making. ‘Pag nag-take ka ng risk, ‘di moa lam kung anong mangyayari,” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian last year.

“Pag panalo, masaya, ‘pag talo, matuto ka kasi mas alam mo na ang gagawin [next time].”

KARIM ABDUL (Center, FOURTH YEAR)

Season 76: 15.79 ppg, 11.16 rpg, 2.00 blocks per game (bpg)

The league’s best center will be the primary option of scoring for the Tigers.

His dominating stats could have gave him an MVP trophy, but what Abdul is concerned of is giving the Thomasian community a memorable championship at his time.

Abdul struggled at the start of the season last year but later on got his momentum when Teng got injured. He also played the heaviest minutes for UST, about 32.53 minutes per game due to lack of substitute centers. Big men Paulo Pe and Jeepy Faundo should step up when they’re needed.

Now on his fourth year, Abdul will serve as a co-captain for Mariano, with the same task of bringing their hearts to the game.

KEVIN FERRER (Forward, FOURTH YEAR)

Season 76: 12.21 ppg, 5.73 pg, 1.44 apg

The former UST high school star played an enormous role last season especially in the second round and in the semifinals against the Bobby Parks-led National University. From 6.41 ppg in Season 75, he doubled his career points and became a hero for UST last year.

Ferrer, who also played for SEA Games champion Sinag Pilipinas and PBA D-League, should join Mariano and Abdul in providing the sparks for UST. The 6’4 swingman is one of the best defensive players in the Dela Cruz’s lineup. Losing two three-pointers in Teng and Bautista will give him the chance to display his skills from downtown.

Key Returnee: LOUIE VIGIL (Third year)

The time has come for the former NCAA juniors’ MVP.

With the departure of Teng, this shooting guard will take charge of the slot that the Rain or Shine player left.

Vigil almost left UST after Season 75 but opted to stay. He was the main man for coach Dela Cruz in Fr. Martin’s Cup where UST only registered one defeat in the finals. Maturity and right decision making is what Vigil needs to become a reliable 2-guard for the team. He has the talents of becoming a star this year. 

Key Addition: RENZO SUBIDO (First year)

Point guard, 5’9, De La Salle-Zobel

The former De La Salle Zobel guard followed the footsteps of Jeric Fortuna, and he’s ready to be the chief playmaker of UST.

Is Renzo Subido the missing link for UST? Photo by Poy Autor

He is an explosive player during his time in the UAAP juniors’ basketball division with the likes of Jerie Pingoy, Prince Martin and Hubert Cani.

After point guard woes that UST experienced last season, Subido entered the scene perfectly for UST this year. His experience will definitely matter, and that depends on coach Dela Cruz whether he’ll be the starting point guard or not.

Veteran players Ed Daquioag Jamil Sheriff, Paulo Pe, Kim Lo and Kent Lao will also power UST’s campaign this year. 

With two consecutive championship losses that UST endured, I guess the redemption to glory is already due this season. Let’s get that trophy that we deserve. #GoUSTe Alexis U. Cerado


Credits to The Varsitarian for the photos.