UAAP: Acido not losing faith as UST’s woes pile up — ‘Andoon pa rin yung gigil’

University of Santo Tomas forward Amiel Acido in action against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — University of Santo Tomas remains winless in the second round of UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball, but sweet-shooting veteran Amiel Acido has not lost hope that the Growling Tigers can still turn things around.

“‘Di kami sumusuko, na maaga kami mage-exit sa season na ‘to,” said Acido, who had 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on five triples in UST’s 92-80 loss to De La Salle University on Sunday. “Andoon pa rin naman yung gigil manalo.”

Acido kept his head up despite the defeat, as the Tigers drilled 17 three-pointers to La Salle’s 14, only to see their double-digit comeback attempt spoiled by the hot-shooting duo of JC Macalalag and Andrei Dungo.

However, the third-year forward admitted that their losses are taking a toll, with their struggles extending even to their practices under head coach Pido Jarencio.

“Medyo mabigat pa para sa aming lahat,” Acido admitted. “‘Di ganon kadali na tumayo agad.”

Still, Acido’s confidence in the Tigers remains undeterred, as he views these setbacks as growing pains that could eventually help UST turn things around with only five games left in its second-round schedule.

“Kailangan naming damdamin yung talo, kasi feel ko, ito yung magiging way para manalo na kami,” he stressed. “‘Di kami pwedeng tumigil dito.”

As one of the team’s leaders, Acido knows he needs to lead by example if UST hopes to finally get back on track.

“Wala namang perfect basketball talaga. Lahat kami, nagkakamali, so nasa paano mo na lang iga-guide yung team mo,” he said. “We just have to keep on going, ilaban lang hanggang dulo.”