MANILA, Philippines — Thanks to Forth Padrigao’s stellar play and leadership, the UST Growling Tigers improved leaps and bounds this UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
From a 2-12 finish last year, UST has now doubled that win total just seven games in or after the first round of the current season.
Padrigao’s playmaking and leadership certainly changed the Growling Tigers for the better and he’s happy to have accomplished that role at least after the first round.
“I think that’s what’s expected of me because I came here and I had the experience already,” said Padrigao, who won a championship with Ateneo in Season 85 before transferring to UST.
A member of the Season 85 Mythical Team, Padrigao tallied his season-high 11 assists laced with 14 points and four rebounds as he led the Growling Tigers to an 83-72 win over the FEU Tamaraws, his team snapping a 2-game skid for a 4-3 slate at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The 5-foot-11 point guard wasn’t about to take all the credit when it comes to leadership, deflecting the credits to Miguel Pangilinan, Christian Manaytay, and Nic Cabanero.
“But at the end of the day, leadership is a collective effort. We are four leading the way, me, Migs, Christian, and Nic. They’re also helping me in other aspects but I’m happy that I’m able to accomplish my role.”
With the level of play expected to be tougher come the second round, Padrigao stressed the importance for the Growling Tigers to share the ball.
“I think that [sharing the ball] is really the key for us because I think the past two games, our turnover to assist ratio is high,” said Padrigao, whose team totaled 18 assists against FEU.
“We need to make some adjustments. We are at our best when we’re sharing the ball and that’s what we did today and thankfully, it resulted in a win.”
Padrigao drew a huge contribution from Mo Tounkara against the Tamaraws as the latter pumped 21 points and 17 rebounds.
