The UST Growling Tigers remained focused on clinching a Final Four spot after losing against the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

UST was holding an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter when NU’s Jolo Manansala and Jake Figueroa erupted late into the game, outshooting UST 20-7 and allowing the Bulldogs to steal a much-needed win, 67-62.

In an exclusive interview with TomasinoWeb, shooting guard Amiel Acido emphasized improving communication, shotmaking, and defense inside the court are some of the aspects they need to improve as they head into their penultimate game of the season.

With teams at the bottom half of the table also catching up to UST’s spot in fourth place, Acido justified the importance of remaining composed and focused, one game at a time.

“[As a team] staying composed lang kami, so one game at a time lang, focus lang [din] kami sa present na game namin and yun, unti-unti naming babawiin yung panalo,” Acido said.

“Actually were doing good naman eh, we just need to make shots lang. So far okay naman yung team, nag-uusap usap naman. Yung chemistry nandun na so I think we're doing good, bawi lang kami sa next game,” Acido further added.

UST currently sits in fourth place with a 5-7 record and could clinch a Final Four berth if they win their last two games against the UE Red Warriors and the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Their clash with UE will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Araneta Coliseum, while their game against the Falcons is set to happen on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.