Tigers advance to Final Four

MANILA, Philippines — Santo Tomas snapped a five-year Final Four drought, running away with a 75-49 revenge win against hopeful Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Growling Tigers uncorked a gripping 23-4 third-quarter rally to clip the Falcons and end their campaign at 7-7 for a sure slot in the semifinals along with reigning champion La Salle (12-2) and host University of the Philippines (10-3).

Santo Tomas in the process sealed the No. 3 seed to arrange a semis date with UP, regardless of the result of the remaining games for UE (6-7) and Adamson (5-8) in a virtual fight for the last Final Four seat.

UE has UP next on Wednesday while Adamson’s last assignment is against also-ran Ateneo (4-9) next Saturday. A win by UE would complete the cast as Adamson needs a win and a loss by the former to forge a playoff for fourth at 6-8.

Amiel Acido fired a career-high 14 points, Nic Cabañero had 13 while Mo Tounkara collared 11 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks to guide the Tigers to their first post-season appearance since Season 82 when they made the finals.

“After five years, ito na. Sana tuloy-tuloy na. This is for the UST community. Para sa kanila itong panalo na ito,” said coach Pido Jarencio, the last mentor to tow Santo Tomas to the UAAP crown in 2006.

Earlier, JD Cagulangan finished what Gerry Abadiano started with a string of clutch shots as the Maroons booted out the FEU Tamaraws (5-9) from the race, 86-78, despite nearly wasting a 16-point lead.

Abadiano tallied 19 points, four rebounds, an assist and two steals while Cagulangan, after struggling all game long, scored nine of his 12 points in the final three minutes.