University of Santo Tomas head coach Pido Jarencio could only relish the moment of marching into their second straight Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

For him, it was a product of hard work and years of building up the squad almost from scratch.

Once off to a 5-1 start that was doused by a agonizing four-game losing skid, the Growling Tigers regained their touch and highlighted their strong elimination finish with an 80-71 stunner over league-leading National University (11-3) to lock up the No. 3 spot with an 8-5 record last Sunday, Nov. 23, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, City.

“Nice record no’ng first round tas four [straight] losses… maraming nagdududa, papasok ba ‘tong UST na ‘to? Ano ba ‘tong UST na ‘to joke lang ba ‘to?,” said Jarencio.

“No, we’re here. Parating na kami… this is my third year… first year ko alam nyo naman medyo kumapa palang tayo no’n… last year and this year is our team,” he added.

In their redemption win over the Bulldogs, second stringers Gelo Crisostomo (13), Mark Llemit (11), and Amiel Acido (11) shone offensively to give ample support to their super rookie Collins Akowe, who had another double-double outing off 11 points and 11 rebounds with three assists.

"Pinaghirapan talaga namin 'to sa practice [palang], si coach Pido sobrang focus samin, kasi nga 'yong NU, no. 1 sila eh, parang kami gusto naming manalo kaya talagang gigil kami" said Llemit. "Importante din 'tong game na 'to samin kasi pag nanalo kami pasok kami sa Final Four."

Main gunners in Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero posted nine points each for UST, while Forthsky Padrigao added eight points to overcome a balanced attack from the NU side.

Not bad for the Tigers, who almost forfeited the crucial tiff after a miscommunication within the UST staff led to the wrong set of uniforms being brought — white instead of the required dark kits.

The victory just tightened the hold of the España-based on the third spot and set them up for a big task in the semis against twice-to-beat holder and reigning champion University of the Philippines (10-4).

It can be recalled that the Fighting Maroons had beaten the Tigers, 78-69, in the semis round of Season 87 where they eventually won the title after outlasting Kevin Quiambao-led De La Salle Green Archers in a rubber match.

But Jarencio, who steered the Tigers to their 18th championship during his first tenure back in Season 69 in 2006, took a moment to credit his players, fellow coaches, and the entire UST community for their support, and vowed to be ready when they face UP in the semifinals.

“I don’t want to talk about the stats, technical na bagay ‘to eh, basta kami we work so hard for this season, ‘yong last three games na nanalo kami, talaga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata at mga coaches, this is for the UST community,” Jarencio continued.

“It’s all about the players, ‘yong desire, grit andon, ‘yong gusto nilang manalo to get in the Final Four, whatever happens kalaban namin UP, we have to be ready for sure,” he added.

Assured of the advancing to the next stage, UST has one remaining game left to strut its wares when it challenges semis hopeful Far Eastern University (6-7) this Wednesday, Nov. 26.