The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have triumphantly secured their place in the UAAP Season 88 Men's Basketball Final Four, marking a significant comeback under the guidance of a beaming Coach Pido Jarencio. The team sealed their semifinals berth by defeating the favored National University Bulldogs, 80-71, in a thrilling game held on Sunday, November 24, 2025, at the packed Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
A Hard-Fought Victory and a Secure Berth
This crucial win elevated the UST Growling Tigers' record to an uncatchable 8 wins and 5 losses, officially clinching the third seat in the semifinals. The victory was a moment of immense relief and celebration for the entire team, especially after a challenging period in the tournament. The Tigers started the season strong with impressive back-to-back wins against league heavyweights, but their momentum was abruptly halted by a disheartening four-game losing streak.
Coach Pido Jarencio acknowledged the difficult phase, stating that doubts began to surface about the team's capabilities. "We got a nice record to start the round," Jarencio was quoted as saying. "Then we had four straight losses. Doubts poured in. 'Is this UST team a joke?' No, we're here, and we're coming." The coach expressed his unwavering belief in his squad, a confidence that was ultimately vindicated with their decisive performance against NU.
Key Players and the Final Four Landscape
A major factor in UST's success has been the dominant presence of their reinforcement, Collins Akowe. The 6-foot-10 player made an immediate impact at the start of the tournament, posting back-to-back double-double efforts in the team's first two victories. His consistent performance has established him as a formidable force that opposing teams will have to reckon with in the upcoming semifinals.
The Final Four picture is now partially clear, with defending champion University of the Philippines and National University leading the pack alongside UST. The fourth and final berth remains a tight race between La Salle, Ateneo, and Far Eastern University. The scenario is set for a dramatic finish: La Salle will advance outright if they defeat Ateneo on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. However, if La Salle loses, it could create a three-way tie for the last spot, triggering a stepladder playoff to determine the final semifinalist.
The Legacy of Coach Pido Jarencio
The article also sheds light on the rich basketball heritage of Coach Pido Jarencio. He was discovered and coached by the late Caloy Badion, a basketball Olympian and respected figure in the sport. Badion, who led Jarencio and UST to a UAAP championship in a previous era, once hailed Jarencio as the country's GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
Badion famously described Jarencio as a perfect combination of two Philippine basketball legends: the charismatic Robert Jaworski and the prolific scorer Danny Florencio. This high praise, reportedly given during a casual gathering in the nineties when Jarencio was beginning his PBA career, underscores the deep respect and talent that Jarencio has carried from his playing days into his coaching career with the Growling Tigers.
With their ticket punched, the UST Growling Tigers, powered by Akowe and steered by the confident Jarencio, are now poised to make a deep run in the UAAP playoffs, aiming to bring glory back to Espana.
