University of Santo Tomas vows to finish strong in its last three games despite being the first team to be eliminated in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball. The Growling Tigers absorbed their 10th loss in 11 games after their gallant stand was denied by the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 67-59, on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. UST assistant coach Japs Cuan spoke for Pido Jarencio and said that coach Pido wants to see the players give it their best in the last three games for the community, which continues to support them. Cuan emphasized that it has to be a collective effort for the Tigers to earn wins with Nic Cabañero, Christian Manaytay, and Migs Pangilinan already carrying the bulk of the team.

Former UST player Cuan also noted the efforts of Nic Cabañero, who has been averaging more than 30 minutes and is “really trying his best.” He acknowledged the struggle, saying that the coaching staff is pushing the players hard and looking for consistency to secure wins.

Despite losing to the defending champions, Ateneo Blue Eagles, Jarencio and his coaching staff credited the Tigers for their efforts and a good run, signaling that they are looking to finish the season strong. UST will battle Final Four-bound National University on Saturday at the Big Dome before wrapping up Jarencio’s first UAAP season in 10 years against the University of the Philippines.