UST crushes Ateneo with third-quarter blitz; UP grabs UAAP lead

MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers unleashed a devastating third-quarter offensive explosion to dismantle the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 80-68, and secure their second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Holding a precarious 34-32 advantage at halftime, the Growling Tigers turned a tightly contested encounter into a commanding performance with a blistering 29-10 third-quarter assault that buried the Blue Eagles under a 21-point deficit, 63-42, entering the final period.

The decisive surge propelled UST to a 4-3 win-loss record, strengthening its position in the standings while dealing another setback to Ateneo, which slipped to 3-4.

Collins Akowe spearheaded the Growling Tigers’ dominant performance with a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Mark Llemit and Amiel Acido provided crucial offensive support with 15 points apiece.

Koji Buenaflor contributed 11 points as UST displayed its offensive firepower to overcome an Ateneo squad that had kept the contest competitive throughout the opening half.

Refusing to surrender, the Blue Eagles mounted a fourth-quarter comeback attempt and trimmed UST’s advantage to 70-58.

However, Llemit extinguished Ateneo’s hopes of a late rally with a timely three-pointer before Akowe sank crucial free throws to preserve the Growling Tigers’ comfortable cushion and seal the victory.

Kieffer Alas paced the Blue Eagles with 18 points, while Andrew Bongo added 13 in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons overcame a sluggish start and a stubborn University of the East Red Warriors squad to register a 91-81 victory and seize sole possession of the top spot in the standings.

The Fighting Maroons improved to a 5-2 record behind a balanced offensive attack led by James Payosing, who finished with 16 points.

After trailing for much of the encounter, UP seized momentum behind Chicco Briones, who drilled three consecutive three-pointers to ignite the Fighting Maroons’ comeback.

Elliot Dimaculangan then converted crucial free throws to give UP a 73-65 advantage and put the Red Warriors on the defensive.

UE, however, refused to fold and mounted another rally, trimming the Fighting Maroons’ lead to just four points, 74-70.

Payosing and Dikachi Udodo responded with timely baskets to halt the Red Warriors’ resurgence and help UP regain control in the closing stretch.

Briones finished with 13 points, while Dimaculangan and Veejay Pre contributed 11 apiece. Udodo and Rey Remogat chipped in 10 points each to complete the Fighting Maroons’ balanced scoring effort.

The victory allowed UP to strengthen its position atop the standings as the race for semifinal berths continued to intensify./PN