One more time ... 3 cheers for UST!

University of Santo Tomas’ Salinggawi Dance Troupe made it four in a row as winner of the Nestle Non-Stop Ice Cream UAAP Cheer-Dance Competition yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Salinggawi notched a "four-peat" as it wowed the huge crowd in the venue with a scintillating performance that earned it a score of 90.98 from the board of judges.

The group that introduced the "propeller" stunt, the Salinggawi dancers came up with a new trick called "shuffle toss," showcasing alternate tosses in the air of four members in a diamond-formation to oohs and aahs of the spectators.

"We did away with the propeller stunts because we wanted to perform something new. We call it the shuffle," said UST choreographer Ryan Silva.

"We’re happy we won but winning is secondary. What’s important is that we’re happy with our performance and we enjoyed doing it," said Salinggawi president Geleen Villagante, a pretty fourth year nursing student from General Santos City.

Aside from the trophy, UST took home the P130,000 top purse courtesy of Nestle Non-Stop Ice Cream.

The UP Pep Squad finished second with a score of 90.76 while FEU came in third with 88.72. La Salle was fourth with 76.37 followed by University of the East (76.15), Adamson (76.09), Ateneo (69.33) and National U (64.48).

Meanwhile, La Salle and University of the East battle for the No. 2 spot and a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four as they clash in the replay of their controversial second-round game at the Big Dome today.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with the two teams likely to figure in a slam-bang action in disputing the crucial second spot at the close of the double-round eliminations.

Actually, UE (10-3) is a game ahead of La Salle (9-4) but the Archers will force a three-way tie with the Warriors and the Ateneo Eagles should they win today’s game. In that eventuality, the Archers secure the No. 2 spot with the superior quotient.

"Expect a highly emotional game," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.

"We’ll go all out for a win because we want to make a statement that ballgames are won on the court, not in the boardroom," added the independent Quezon City councilor.

FEU is assured of the No. 1 spot with a 12-2 win-loss card.