For Renzo Subido, hero moment for UST went from dream to reality

Renzo Subido (5) was the hero of the day for UST. Zeke Alonzo

With University of Santo Tomas was trailing, 65-63, with less than 30 seconds left in the game, someone had to save the day for the Growling Tigers.

Renzo Subido received the ball near the sideline, and found himself guarded by hulking University of the Philippines center Bright Akhuetie. The UST guard patiently dribbled the ball out, and noticed that Akhuetie did not chase him beyond the three-point line.

That was his cue to answer the call for the Growling Tigers

"Hindi ako nilapitan ni Bright when I took the shot," Subido said in an interview.

The shot hit nothing but net, putting UST back in the lead for good with 23 seconds remaining.

It was perhaps the biggest shot of Subido's career, sending the Growling Tigers back into the UAAP men's basketball finals. But it did not come as any surprise for the hotshot guard.

"The night before every game, I really visualize. Sini-simulate ko na sa utak ko 'yung mga possible na mangyayari. It's really about mental preparation," Subido tikd reporters after the game.

It was a shot for which he has been training. "It's not just mental preparation, I always practice it on the court," he said. "They always tell me na everytime I do extra practice, I simulate, I have to visualize."

Hitting the game-winner was part of the visualization process.

"May times na nai-imagine ko and minsan pag mag-isa ako, 'Game-winner Renzo!' I just can't help it but smile. Siyempre nakakatuwa 'yung ganun," Subido said. "I'm really grateful na ibinigay sa akin ni Lord yung game-winning shot."

One for UST

Subido dedicates this finals appearance to the school.

"This is really big for the Thomasian community. Kung sino yung pinaka-deserving sa panalo na ito -- UST. We just want to give back to the community. From day one, naniniwala sila," Subido said.

UST will make its first finals appearance in four years. They will face Ateneo de Manila University, which is gunning for its third straight men's basketball crown. Ateneo and UST last met in the Finals in 2012.

"Ateneo's a tough team so kung ano 'yung effort and hardwork na in-exert namin for UP, we're gonna have to double that against Ateneo," said Subido.

Subido scored 14 points in this do-or-die game vs UP, including four three-pointers.

The best-of-three finals series will start on Saturday. —JST, GMA News