EVERYTHING is upbeat in University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

Opening the season with a 2-0 record, the Growling Tigers are enjoying their finest start since 2015.

UST has also ended a 17-game losing streak against Ateneo, and coach Pido Jarencio took the bragging rights to finally beat a Tab Baldwin-mentored squad, a feat which his predecessors Aldin Ayo and Boy Sablan failed to do.

The Growling Tigers hurdled their first major test of the season, needing a huge fourth quarter to beat the Blue Eagles, 74-64, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Prior to Wednesday night, UST last defeated Ateneo, 68-58, on Sept. 26, 2015.

“Talaga?! Ganoon na katagal?!,” Jarencio said.

Despite the impressive start, the Growling Tigers know that they have to work hard to achieve their goals this season.

“Malayo pa ito. Two games, first round. May second round pa ito. Pero kahit paano nakakakuha na kami ng panalo. Nakaka-pondo na para pagdating ng second round mas lalong magbabakbakan iyan. At least nakapondo na ng panalo,” Jarencio said.

“Basta ang goal namin, one game at a time, makapasok ng Final Four. Yun muna kami,” he added.

Nic Cabañero has been the glue that stuck the Growling Tigers together, Gelo Crisostomo is having a breakout season, while transferee Forthsky Padrigao and Mali’s Mo Tounkara has been consistent so far.

Up next for UST is Adamson, which suffered a 30-point beating from the hands of defending champion La Salle, on Sunday, as the España-based dribblers stake their perfect record.

The Blue Eagles hope to avoid their 0-3 start in 11 years against the Green Archers in their rivalry game also on Sunday.

Ateneo last opened the season with three consecutive defeats in 2013, a year after completing a five-peat.