University of Santo Tomas (UST) coach Pido Jarencio proved that they are dead serious to win the title of Season 88 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.

Entering the press room in jolly mood following a huge 80-71 win over topseeded National University late Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the outspoken mentor stressed that doubts were raised over their rollercoaster campaign in the eliminations.

In fact, after posting a solid record in the first round, the Growling Tigers suddenly went cold as they lost four of their next five games, including three straight matches, that put their Final Four hopes in serious peril.

Fortunately, the Tigers got their acts together and secured three straight wins, including a 75-49 victory over Adamson University last week that gave them the No. 3 spot in the semifinals.

Jarencio said their victory over the Bulldogs is not just another check mark on their record, but a strong indication that they have what it takes to make a serious run for the UAAP crown.

“A lot of people are talking about us, wondering if we’ll ever make it to the Final Four. They’re asking if we’re some kind of a joke. No, we’re here okay? We have arrived,” Jarencio said in Filipino shortly after belting out his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic “My Way” that put sportswriters inside a packed press room in stitches.

“There ‘s a lot who spread fake (news). They’re not doing anything but to bash the team. Well, I don’t have problem with that. We won’t die if they bash us. For us, we’re just doing our jobs.”

Jarencio knows that the Final Four against powerhouse University of the Philippines will be a different story.

The last time the Tigers faced the Fighting Maroons in the playoffs was in the stepladder semifinals in 2019.

Then bannered by foreign student-athlete Soulemane Chabi Yo, CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, Mark Nonoy and Renzo Subido, UST eliminated the Fighting Maroons side of Bright Akhuetie, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano to set up a finals return only to get swept by powerhouse Ateneo de Manila University.

But it’s now water under the bridge and the Tigers are determined to essay their own destiny against the Fighting Maroons, who will march with a twice-to-beat advantage.