University of Santo Tomas has emerged from the depths of despair, finally vanquishing its 19-game losing streak. The Growling Tigers finally showed their fangs at the expense of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, taking a 68-62 win to nail its first victory in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Sunday.

Before this game, UST last won on October 1, 2022 -- its opening game of Season 85 against Adamson University, winning 69-60.

"Thank you God sa binigay niyo sa amin na panalo, sa UST community, super duper thankful din ako sa mga coaches, teammates, staff pati yung management namin kasi tuloy tuloy pa rin sila na nili-lift up ang puso namin na kaya pa rin namin ipakita yung Puso, Pride, Palaban," said Growling Tigers third-year guard Nic Cabañero.

Nic Cabañero's and-one floater on Cedrickh Ona's unsportsmanlike foul with 0.06 seconds left in the third quarter to make it a 55-50 lead started UST's game-changing run.

Ivanne Calum, Paul Manalang, Christian Manaytay, and Migs Pangilinan then connived for the Growling Tigers to establish an 11-point lead with 5:30 left in the game, 65-54.

The trio of Ljay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, and Jorick Bautista tried to will the Tamaraws back but it was not enough.

"Masarap yung feeling kasi after a long time we won. Credit to the boys, they really gave it all. Nagsama-sama kami so yung bonding nila it helps," said UST deputy Japs Cuan as head coach Pido Jarencio lost his voice during the thrilling 40-minute affair and could not make it in the postgame interview.

The Growling Tigers finished the first round at 1-6, still at last place, but are just a game behind the Tamaraws and the UE Red Warriors, both at 2-5.

Cabañero led UST with 23 points, 11 of which came in the third frame, while also grabbing six rebounds.

"This will give us confidence going into the next round. We're going to be happy today and we're going to work again...let's see what our adjustments. Continue kami to show pride, puso, palaban," Cabañero said.

Manaytay followed with 10 points and 11 rebounds, Pangilinan added nine points and seven rebounds, while Kenji Duremdes had an all-around game of seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal.

Gonzales, Torres, and Bautista all got 11 points each but struggled from the field for FEU, shooting a combined 12-of-42 from the field.

The Scores:

UST 68 – Cabañero 23, Manaytay 10, Pangilinan 9, Crisostomo 8, Duremdes 7, Calum 7, Manalang 4, Llemit 0, Laure 0, Gesalem 0, Lazarte 0, Esmena 0.

FEU 62 – Gonzales 11, Torres 11, Bautista 11, Sleat 8, Tempra 7, Faty 7, Ona 5, Competente 2, Alforque 0, Bagunu 0, Montemayor 0, Buenaventura 0, Felipe 0.