(UPDATE) A LITTLE open forum after their frustrating 62-67 loss to the NU Bulldogs last Wednesday put the UST Growling Tigers back on track, according to head coach Pido Jarencio.

Players and coaches voiced out their grievances and this ultimately made the Tigers growling again, defeating the UE Red Warriors, 76-67, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday to bolster their Final Four bid with a 6-7 slate, fourth in the standings.

"The secret to this is the open forum we had with the coaches and the players," said Jarencio post-game.

"The players and us coaches voiced our grievances and we talked about the direction we want to take. It was a positive activity that's why we came out aggressive today and our desire and the effort of the players were there. This is a total team effort."

Indeed, the Growling Tigers started out strong against the Red Warriors, going on a 22-11 first frame performance and leading by as much as 27, 41-24, before halftime.

When UE rallied in the final canto, UST was more than ready to charge and hit timely baskets to come away with the victory.

"I commend the [assistant] coaches because they all worked for this too. We're all at the same page. I'm not the only head coach here, we all are," shared Jarencio.

"The players know that it's not only my decision but a majority one. That's why whoever plays or does not play is part of what we have come to agree upon."