MANILA – University of Santo Tomas reignited its Final Four push with a commanding 109-97 victory over winless University of the East, breaking a four-game skid and reclaiming solo fourth in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigers, battered by a month-long slump, finally played with urgency and cohesion—opening the game with a blistering 20-6 start and never relinquishing control despite a late UE charge. The win lifted UST to a 6-5 record and restored momentum in the tight race for the semifinals.
“It’s not about me or any single player — we respect and believe in each other. That’s how we stayed mentally tough after our four-game losing streak,” said team leader Nicael Cabañero, who powered UST with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
UST surged to a 36-16 edge early in the second quarter behind Cabañero and Collins Akowe, who dominated inside and finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds. The Tigers’ lead swelled to 27 points in the third period before UE came roaring back with a 28-10 fourth-quarter burst.
But UST refused to crumble. Mark Llemit drilled back-to-back three-pointers in the final minutes to fend off UE’s rally and secure the Tigers’ most important win in weeks. Angelo Crisostomo added 14 points and four steals, while Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 11.
UE, now 0-12 for the season and mired in an 18-game skid dating back to last year, was paced by Wello Lingolingo with 18 points and Precious Momowei with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
NU Clinches Twice-to-Beat Bonus
In the second game, the National University Bulldogs locked up a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with a gritty 70-64 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Trailing 58-59 entering the final five minutes, NU turned to its veterans as Jake Figueroa and Paul Francisco strung together timely baskets to take a 67-60 lead. FEU’s Janrey Pasaol trimmed the gap to 64-67, but Figueroa responded with a dagger three-pointer to put the game away.
Figueroa finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while PJ Palacielo added 10 for the Bulldogs, who improved to 10-2./PN
