By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
DOWN to their last two assignments in the elimination round of Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are looking to finish strong to help their cause of returning back to the Final Four after a three-year absence.
Last made it to the semifinals of the UAAP back in Season 78, the Tigers are making a strong case for themselves for the top four as they are currently at third place in the race with a 7-5 record with two games left to play in the classification phase.
Aldin Ayo-coached UST has given its playoff push a boost by winning their last two games, the most recent against the already-eliminated National University, 88-76, on Oct. 19.
The Tigers had their early struggles in said game but eventually rendered themselves unstoppable when they got their collective groove going.
The resurgent CJ Cansino stepped up for UST anew, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Big man Soulemane Chabi Yo had a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds while Renzo Subido shot 4-of-6 from downtown to corral 14 points, three boards, and two assists. Rookie Mark Nonoy added 12.
Rhenz Abando, the center of a UAAP controversy last week when news broke out that he was on his way out of UST after being lured by other teams, made his return after sitting out their previous game, finishing with nine points and five boards.
He has since denied the news and vowed his commitment to stay with UST for the rest of his collegiate career.
Right smack in contention, Mr. Ayo said their approach would be focusing on what they could control as a team and staying the course, hoping that it would be enough to book them a spot in the next round.
“We’re not paying too much attention on where the other teams are in the standings. Our focus right now is our next two games. The elimination round is ending and we’re trying to execute our game plan with minimal mistakes as possible. Hopefully the players stick to the system and play accordingly,” said Mr. Ayo in Filipino following their win over NU.
Next for the Tigers are the De La Salle Green Archers (5-6) on Oct. 23, a game that they are expecting to be another grind since the green and white are also out to pad their push for the Final Four.
“Every time we face La Salle they present us with something different and they are playing better now than the first round. We’ll just be ready for whatever they throw at us in our next game,” said Mr. Ayo.
