MANILA – After a lackluster showing in their previous game, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers roared back with vengeance, dismantling the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 111-99, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the UST QPav on Saturday.
Shaking off a narrow halftime lead, UST went on a third-quarter rampage behind the explosive trio of Nicael Cabañero, Amiel Acido, and Collins Akowe, who powered a decisive 24-12 run to seize control at 83-67.
The Tigers never looked back, extending their cushion to 20 points when Cabañero buried a three-pointer for a commanding 100-80 advantage midway through the fourth.
“Especially with the way we prepared this team, sobra ‘yung kumpyansa ni coach Pido (Jarencio) especially our vets. We are not taking anything here for granted, this is the UAAP, that’s the beauty of the UAAP anything can happen,” said UST assistant coach Juben Ledesma.
Akowe, who was limited in their loss to National University due to illness, atoned for that outing with a monster double-double of 18 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.
“Motivation lang talaga namin ‘yung past game against NU. Gustong+gusto namin bumawi but ‘yung bawi namin ay hindi gigil,” said Cabañero, who once again led UST’s balanced offense with 22 points and eight assists.
Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao contributed all-around numbers with 18 points, six assists, and six steals, while Acido and Mark Llemit chipped in 11 points each for the Growling Tigers, who improved to 3-1 in the standings.
Despite a spirited effort, the Red Warriors (0-4) continued their winless run. John Abate led UE with 27 points and seven assists, followed by Dray Caoile with 23 points. Precious Momowei recorded 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Mo Tanedo added 11.
Meanwhile, in another matchup, Harold Alarcon erupted in the fourth quarter to lift the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons past the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 66-59.
Scoreless through three quarters, Alarcon delivered all eight of his points in the final frame, spearheading UP’s 8-0 closing run that secured a 60-52 advantage and sealed the win for the Maroons./PN
