The UST Tiger Cubs collapsed to the defending champions FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws, 78-84, in their final elimination game of the UAAP Season 86 boys’ basketball tournament on Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Manu Iñigo-mentored UST squad capped a one-win improvement from last season, finishing with an 8-6 win-loss record.

The Tiger Cubs, who held the third-best record for much of the tournament, settled for a fourth seed finish and are headed to the Final Four for the second straight year.

The Baby Tams, meanwhile, took over the third seed after the win.

Koji Buenaflor led the scoring for the Tiger Cubs, dropping 23 points and five rebounds in 25 minutes of action, while Andrei Dungo racked up 16 points, five boards, and six assists.

Carl Manding chipped in 13 points and five rebounds off the bench in the losing effort.

Early struggles strained much of the Tiger Cubs’ offense in the first half as the Baby Tamaraws walloped UST to a double-digit deficit at halftime, 32-47.

Once trailing by 24 points in the third frame, the Tiger Cubs attempted multiple comeback efforts in the final two quarters, only to fall short.

UST ignited an 11-0 run late in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to overcome FEU-D's cushion, 78-84.

The Tiger Cubs were outrebounded by the Baby Tamaraws, 57-33. UST also shot a lowly 36.2% (25/69) from the field compared to FEU-D's 43.4% (33/76).

Veejay Pre secured a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jedric Daa notched a near triple-double of 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Baby Tamaraws.

Dwyne Miranda also clipped in a near triple-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in the win.

UST will face the top-seeded Adamson Baby Falcons in the Final Four.