MANILA — University of Santo Tomas inched closer to securing a coveted Final Four slot after rookie sensation Collins Akowe powered the Growling Tigers to a gritty 67-59 triumph over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Akowe delivered one of his most imposing performances of the season, anchoring UST’s playoff push with a 15-point, 16-rebound, four-block showcase that set the tone at both ends of the court. The Tigers improved to 7-5 and tightened their hold on the No. 4 position.
Nicael Cabañero backed him up with an all-around line of 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Angelo Crisostomo added 10 points and nine boards.
Up by just 53-49 entering the final frame, UST found breathing room when Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao buried consecutive three-pointers to stretch the advantage to 59-49.
Ateneo clawed back to within 55-61 late in the game, but Cabañero steadied the Tigers with a decisive bucket before Crisostomo and Mark Llemit sank pressure-packed free throws to put the result beyond doubt. The Blue Eagles slipped to 5-6, dropping into a tie for fifth with Adamson University.
Only Kymani Ladi breached double digits for Ateneo with 14 points.
In the earlier match, league-leading National University pulled off a dramatic escape, overcoming an 18-point second-half deficit to stun the University of the East Red Warriors, 83-74.
UE looked poised to score its first win of the season until NU exploded behind PJ Palacielo and Jolo Manansala, seizing the lead at 62-61 and never looking back. Manansala fired 21 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, while Omar John and Jake Figueroa contributed 14 apiece. Palacielo chipped in 11.
For the winless Red Warriors (0-13), Toper Lagat tallied 17 points, Precious Momowei registered 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Dylan Despi and Jhon Jimenez added 11 and 10, respectively./PN
BOX SCORE
UST 67 — Akowe 15, Cabañero 14, Crisostomo 10, Acido 9, Paranada 7, Padrigao 6, Buenaflor 2, Danting 2, Llemit 2, Estacio 0, Calum 0.
ATENEO 59 — Ladi 14, Escobar 8, Tuano 8, Bahay 7, Adili 6, Lazaro 4, Bongo 4, Espina 2, Espinosa 2, Fjellvang 2, Lazo 2.
Quarterscores: 25-18, 35-33, 53-46, 67-59.
