MANILA — University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers turned a three-point halftime edge into a blowout, overwhelming Centro Escolar University Scorpions in the second half to score an 81-60 victory and capture the Pinoyliga The Big Dance championship on Thursday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
UST unleashed a 44-26 second-half assault after carrying a slim 37-34 advantage into the break, using its defense and balanced scoring to pull away from CEU and secure the crown in convincing fashion.
Collins Akowe powered the Growling Tigers with an all-around performance, tallying 17 points, six rebounds, four blocks, two steals and an assist to earn Player of the Game honors.
Amiel Acido provided 15 points, Mark Llemit added 13, while Kristian Porter chipped in 10 as UST received contributions from multiple weapons in the title-clinching victory.
After a closely fought opening half, the Growling Tigers seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Scorpions, 23-12, to stretch their lead to 60-46 entering the final frame.
UST sustained the pressure in the fourth quarter, winning the period, 21-14, to complete the 21-point rout and seal the championship.
Stanley Gicoso led the Scorpions with 13 points, while Precious Momowei contributed 11 in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas captured the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup championship after surviving Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 84-83.
Angelo Gelsano delivered an all-around performance for the Altas, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals to earn Player of the Game honors.
Jim Corpuz contributed 13 points for Perpetual Help, while Ray Allen Maglupay added 12 in the one-point championship victory./PN
