MANILA — University of Santo Tomas showed its poise when it mattered most, turning back a furious University of the East fourth-quarter comeback to carve out a 98-87 victory and secure its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Growling Tigers saw a once-commanding 19-point halftime advantage shrink to just six in the final period before regaining control down the stretch to improve to 2-1 and stay among the early leaders in the standings.
Mark Llemit spearheaded UST’s balanced attack with 22 points, while Amiel Acido fired 16.
Collins Akowe imposed his presence on both ends with 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, while Landyn Jumawan chipped in 13 points.
The victory put UST alongside National University, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University near the top of the standings.
UST established a five-point edge after the opening quarter before taking command in the second, where the Growling Tigers overwhelmed the Red Warriors, 28-14, to build a 52-33 halftime advantage.
UE, however, refused to go quietly.
The Red Warriors mounted a determined fourth-quarter fightback and pulled within six, 77-83, after Cole Cruz-Dumont converted consecutive layups with 6:06 remaining.
But the Growling Tigers steadied themselves under pressure, answered UE’s run and prevented the Red Warriors from drawing any closer in the closing minutes to preserve the victory.
Toper Lagat carried UE with 22 points, while Mo Tanedo contributed 16. Cruz-Dumont finished with 12 points and Gene Carillo added 10.
The loss sent the Red Warriors to 0-4 and stretched their losing skid to 24 games.
Meanwhile, FEU continued its early surge after stunning defending champion De La Salle University, 90-78, for its second consecutive victory.
The Tamaraws dictated the game from the opening stages and never relinquished the lead, shooting 50 percent from the field and building an advantage that reached as many as 19 points.
Kirby Mongcopa powered FEU with 20 points, while Cabs Cabonilas contributed 17. Jorick Bautista scored 12, with Jedric Daa and Mo Konateh adding 10 apiece.
La Salle struggled to match FEU’s offensive efficiency throughout the contest.
Luis Pablo paced the Green Archers with 15 points, while Andrei Dungo and Mason Amos finished with 10 apiece./PN
