MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers proved their mettle in one of the longest games in UAAP history, outlasting the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 98-89, after three grueling overtime periods in the Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday night at the Blue Eagles Gym.
With the score knotted at 85-all entering the third extension, the Growling Tigers unleashed a decisive 9-0 barrage sparked by two inside hits from Collins Akowe, a three-point play by Nicael Cabañero, and a layup from Mark Llemit to grab a commanding 94-85 advantage.
Ateneo momentarily stopped the bleeding with a basket from Jaden Lazo, but UST sealed the deal as Kyle Paranada drilled a clutch triple before Akowe iced the game with a free throw.
Cabañero led the España-based squad with a double-double performance of 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Akowe delivered a monstrous 20-point, 17-rebound outing.
Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao added 20 markers, and Angelo Crisostomo chipped in his own double-double of 18 points and 17 boards as UST improved to 4-1 to tie for the top spot in the standings.
Jared Bahay topscored for the Blue Eagles with 17 points, followed by Kymani Ladi with 14, Dom Escobar with 13, Shawn Tuano with 12, and Divine Adili with 10, as Ateneo dropped to 4-2.
In the earlier match, the Adamson University Falcons (2-4) snapped their losing skid with a 77-62 victory over the still-winless University of the East Red Warriors (0-5).
After seeing their 20-point halftime cushion shrink, the Falcons reasserted control in the payoff quarter through the efforts of Mudiaka Ojarikre and Cedrick Manzano. Ray Allen Torres led Adamson with 16 points, while rookie Earl Medina added 15.
John Abate paced UE with 17 markers, while Darryl Robles contributed 14 in a losing cause./PN
BOX SCORES
UST 98 – Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2, Danting 0, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Laure 0.
ATENEO 89 – Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2, Espina 0, Fjellvang 0.
Quarterscores: 20-28, 33-37, 55-53, 66-66, 74-74, 85-85, 98-89.
