Tigers drawing second look after two big wins

Having scored back-to-back victories over teams ranked higher than them in pre-season ratings, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have suddenly found their old luster and become one of the title contenders in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

After dropping a close 92-94 decision to the UP Maroons in their first game, the Tigers came roaring back with victories over the defending champion Far Eastern U Tams, 90-87, last week and pre-season favorite the University of the East Warriors, 91-77, last Sunday to gain a share of second spot with the Warriors.

But two victories do not make a champion team.

"Although it’s too early to tell, we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished but our efforts will not stop there since the tournament is far from over," said UST team manager Clarence Aytona, who was Montana Pawnshop’s manager when the Jewels won the first and only PBL title two years ago.

Aytona, a UST alumnus, credited their early success to coach Pido Jarencio and the strong support from both the alumni and the school community.

"He has instilled the never-say-die attitude of Barangay Ginebra, his former team in the PBA," said Aytona, referring to the affable Jarencio.

"The alumni and the students are starting to watch us again, and the players are responding," he added.

The victories swiftly transformed UST from a whipping team into a contender with a realistic chance of challenging the likes of the front-running Ateneo (3-0) and the Warriors.

But what makes the Tigers impressive at this early stage is the fact that they posted those wins with their top gun, Jemal Vizcarra, out with injury.

"This what’s good with the team, we have players who are ready to step up," said Jarencio, who once engaged UE’s Allan Caidic in a shootout in the 80s.

Jarencio was referring to Jojo Duncil and Jervy Cruz, who have combined for 97 points in the last two games in the absence of the sweet-shooting Vizcarra. And the swagger, the game face and the body language of the Tigers looked curiously similar to the same Espana-based squad that last won the UAAP title exactly a decade ago. — Joey Villar