UST vows to give UAAP fans a great finals series vs. FEU

UST won twice against FEU in the eliminations. KC Cruz

As University of Santo Tomas soundly whipped defending champion National University in the UAAP semifinals on Sunday, the Growling Tigers returned to the title round after missing the playoffs last year.

The surprise No. 1 seed booked a finals date with No. 2 Far Eastern University, which was widely considered as the team to beat at the start of the season.

UST swept FEU in the elimination round to overtake them at the top spot of the standings, but coach Bong Dela Cruz said it does not necessarily mean his wards are favorites to take the crown.

"Kahit naka-dalawa kami sa kanila nung elimination, elimination 'yun e. Sa championship, ibang storya na 'to," he said.

The Tamaraws will be hungry to win the championship after coming so close before falling to the Bulldogs last year, but the Tigers are also raring to redeem themselves after their forgettable performance last season.

"Kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan 'yun. Malakas ang FEU so kailangan naming pag-aralan kung paano namin sila tatalunin ulit," Dela Cruz said.

With the two teams buoyed by graduating seniors eager to go out with a bang, led by UST forward and runner-up to the Most Valuable Player race Kevin Ferrer, the finals series is expected to be a classic.

"Gagawin na namin lahat ng makakaya namin para makuha 'yung championship," Ferrer said. "Pero paghahandaan namin talaga. Bibigyan namin kayo ng magandang laban."

UST will be gunning for their 19th title in UAAP history to tie with FEU for the most number of championship trophies, while the Tams are seeking to preserve their record as the winningest school as they gun for their 20th title in the league. —JST, GMA News