At A Glance
- Forthsky Padrigao has become a vital cog for University of Santo Tomas as its lead guard and on-court leader this UAAP Season 88.
Forthsky Padrigao has become a vital cog for University of Santo Tomas as its lead guard and on-court leader this UAAP Season 88.
In front of thousands of fans inside the Ateneo Gym, the Growling Tigers, led by Padrigao, stayed composed under overwhelming pressure to prevail in a classic matchup with a 98-89 triple overtime win over the Blue Eagles last Saturday evening, Oct. 11.
The 23-year-old Padrigao played his hearts out and delivered key baskets in regulation where he drained a clutch trey that forced the game to an extended period.
Doing such heroics against his former school is all business for the former Eagle.
“I just needed to do my job, my role sa team in this ball game, I think wala naman akong special na inisip or ginawa, nothing personal for me,” said Padrigao.
“I just wanted to treat this as another game, kasi we want to win this game kasi it’s crucial for us, happy ako na nanalo kami, pero talagang pagod lang talaga kami,” he added.
After playing for 31 minutes, the 6-foot shifty guard collected 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one block as he marked his return to a place that he once steered to a UAAP championship in Season 85.
It was a sort of a homecoming that was almost spoiled by his fellow playmaker Jared Bahay, who kept the Eagles stick within striking distance in the waning minutes.
“Just happy the team shown heart kanina… talagang paguran ‘yong laro, and we shown our heart, grit, and nag-pay off no’ng dulo,” Padrigao continued.
“But, even we beat Ateneo, grabe ‘yong respect namin sa kanila, kasi they have battling with us, [lalo na do’n sa tatlong overtime],” he added.
Despite Padrigao being sidelined during the final stretch, Nic Cabañero, Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo and Kyle Paranada took over. The quartet, with the help of Mark Llemit, built an ample lead to seal the match.
The Tigers improved to 4-1 while the Eagles dropped to 4-2.
Following its gusty triumph over Ateneo, UST aims to extend its win streak to three when it faces Far Eastern University on Wednesday, Oct. 15.