MANILA — University of Santo Tomas (UST) shattered its long-running slump against National University (NU), using a momentum-shifting second-half barrage to claim an 80–71 victory and officially punch a UAAP Season 88 Final Four ticket yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigers, who had repeatedly stumbled against the Bulldogs in recent seasons, turned the tables this time with a gritty comeback. Trailing 48–39 early in the third quarter, UST uncorked a decisive run behind back-to-back three-pointers from Kyle Paranada and Amiel Acido plus strong finishes inside from Angelo Crisostomo to seize a 58–53 advantage.
UST carried that surge into the payoff period, stretching the lead to as many as 13 points behind Crisostomo’s perimeter hits and Paranada’s aggressive drives as they secured their third straight win and an 8–5 card.
Crisostomo topscored for the Tigers with 13 points, including two key outside conversions, while Acido, Mark Llemit, and Collins Akowe added 11 apiece.
NU, despite the defeat, stayed atop the standings at 11–3. Omar John registered a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Nathaniel Tulabut contributed 10.
In the other game, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles kept their Final Four hopes breathing with a 72–61 triumph over the Adamson University Soaring Falcons. The Blue Eagles controlled most of the contest and built a 16-point spread late after a Waki Espina triple with 2:46 left.
Adamson’s Matty Erolon responded with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 13 entering the last two minutes, but the Falcons’ outside shots faltered in the closing stretch. Holding a 72–59 cushion, Ateneo simply ran the clock down to secure the victory.
Dom Escobar led Ateneo with 14 points, while Kymani Ladi and Espina had 13 each. Espina added three assists and three steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Erolon finished with 24 markers and Ray Allen Torres chipped in 16 for Adamson, but the Falcons failed to slow down Ateneo’s fourth-quarter push./PN
