MANILA — The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers pulled off a monumental breakthrough, ending nearly a decade of misery against De La Salle University with a rousing 93-84 upset in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Behind the explosive duo of Nicael Cabañero and rookie Collins Akowe, UST clawed back from a 12-point deficit to finally topple the Green Archers — their first victory over the Taft-based squad since 2015.
Cabañero erupted for 27 points on top of six rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block, while Akowe imposed his will in the paint with a massive double-double of 20 points and 19 boards. Amiel Acido and Rence Padrigao added 13 and 12 markers, respectively, to fuel UST’s 2-0 start.
The Tigers, however, had to endure La Salle’s early onslaught before storming back in the second half. With Padrigao steady at the point and Akowe dominating inside, UST methodically trimmed the gap. Cabañero and Kyle Paranada then ignited the rally that tied the contest at 79-all.
Once momentum swung, the Tigers never looked back. Paranada and Acido delivered clutch hits for an 85-79 cushion, before Cabañero and Akowe sealed the deal with decisive inside conversions.
For the Archers, Jacob Cortez led the way with 17 points while Earl Abadam added 11, but their long reign over the España-based squad came crashing down as they slipped to a 1-1 card.
Meanwhile, the National University Bulldogs matched UST and Ateneo de Manila University at 2-0 after fending off the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 84-68. Omar John paced NU with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Jolo Manansala and Jake Figueroa contributed 13 each.
The Bulldogs’ 15-point first-half lead was cut to eight late in the game, but timely baskets from PJ Palacielo, Figueroa, and a triple by Jedric Solomon restored order and stretched the gap to as much as 16 to secure the win./PN
BOX SCORE:
UST 93 – Cabañero 27, Akowe 20, Acido 13, Padrigao 12, Paranada 9, Crisostomo 5, Llemit 3, Danting 2, Laure 2, Calum 0, Bucsit 0, Estacio 0.
DLSU 84 – Cortez 17, Abadam 11, Baclaan 9, Amos 9, Marasigan 9, Phillips 8, Dungo 6, Pablo 4, Gollena 4, Gomez 4, Daep 3, Nwankwo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-27, 45-49, 72-74, 93-84.
