Sunday, June 1, 2025

UST embraces early success but stays grounded in Filoil Preseason Cup

Games today, Monday

12 p.m. – Benilde vs. JRU

2 p.m. – Letran vs. Mapua

4 p.m. – FEU vs. UST

Winning back-to-back games certainly has its perks, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers are soaking it in.

Their 2-0 start in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive has only intensified the buzz around the squad from España—especially after last season’s Final Four run. But with the early success comes higher expectations, with many now tagging UST as a legitimate title contender.

Forthsky Padrigao, however, prefers to stay grounded.

“Work in progress pa rin kami. Alam namin na malayo pa ‘yung tatahakin namin, so we just want to continue putting in the work,” said the veteran guard after UST’s 69–62 win over Adamson last Thursday.

The Tigers aim to stay unbeaten as they clash with fellow undefeated squad Far Eastern University (1-0) today at 4 p.m., with early solo leadership in the UAAP Group on the line.

But toppling the Tamaraws won’t be easy. FEU looked sharp in its tournament debut, leaning on veteran Jorick Bautista to overpower University of the East, 74–57, last May 22.

In NCAA group action, the College of St. Benilde (3-0) hopes to tighten its grip on the top spot when it battles Jose Rizal University (1-0) at 12 p.m.

The Blazers remained spotless after a commanding 92–72 win over Perpetual on May 26 and aim to sustain that momentum. But JRU, coming off a 70–59 win against San Sebastian, is brimming with confidence after rookie Sanlea Peñaverde delivered a breakout performance to hand new coach Nani Epondulan his first victory.

Meanwhile, Letran (2-0) goes for win number three when it faces reigning NCAA champion Mapua (1-1) at 2 p.m.

Jun Roque led the charge in the Knights’ 89–69 rout of LPU last week and will look to deliver another big outing against Clint Escamis and the Cardinals.

The post UST embraces early success but stays grounded in Filoil Preseason Cup first appeared on Fastbreak.


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