Subido's breakout game tows Tigers past Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — They aren’t called the “Comeback Cats” for nothing.

University of Santo Tomas leaned on Renzo Subido’s marksmanship to hold off University of the East, 88-87, in the UAAP hostilities Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“Alam kong puputok ‘yan,” Tigers coach Boy Sablan. “Nakita ko na sa practice, sa actual games. ‘Yan si Renzo Subido.”

UST dug themselves out of a 15-point hole to slowly take over the game. On the forefront of that assault was the third-year Subido, who set his career-high in a black and gold uniform.

Coming off a season that saw him play limited minutes, Subido had a breakout game of 26 points. His four triples help the Tigers wipe out UE’s cushion by the third period.

Subdio, a former blue-chip recruit from De La Salle Zobel, had a promising rookie year in 2014. He hurt his ACL right before his sophomore season.

“I asked coach Bong to line me up  because I believe it was only with competitive practice that I’m only able to regain my old form,” ?bared Subido, who registered only eight points during that period.

“It was frustrating (to have limited playing time). I know yung capacity ko as a player. But I took it as a challenge, that when I came into this season I am a better and stronger player."

Before his time with the Tigers, Subido was a hotshot in the juniors arena, norming 20.1 points per game. He led the league in 3-point makes along with lending his wares to the national team’s Under-18 squad. He gained international acclaim when he made it to a sporting apparel’s basketball camp in China.

Asked if he now feels ready to go full throttle, the 20-year-old guard was adamant in calling it.

“I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m ready,” he said. ““[The knee is] good as new. I’m happy to be able to compete again.”

The Tigers, who now hold a 1-1 card, take on favorites De La Salle University next week.