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| c/o UAAP |
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas snapped its two-game skid with an 83-72 victory over Far Eastern University on Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This win was significant for the Growling Tigers, as it allowed them to finish the first round above .500 with a 4-3 record—marking their best start since Season 82, when they also finished with a 4-3 record and advanced to the Finals.
Notably, this victory assures UST of its best record since Season 82, especially after struggling in the previous seasons, where they recorded three wins in Season 84, one win in Season 85, and two wins in Season 86.
“It’s a big win for us coming from a two-game losing streak. Yung response ng team to stop the streak as in sama-sama lang sila kanina and nagfocus kami sa defense,” said Growling Tigers assistant coach Japs Cuan, who filled in for Pido Jarencio in the post-game due to the head coach "losing his voice" during the contest.
Leading by 10 midway through the final frame, the Growling Tigers had to swipe away a late-game hijack by the Tamaraws.
Five straight points from Veejay Pre, including free throws and a three-pointer, brought the Tamaraws within five points, 70-75, with 1:57 remaining.
However, Nic Cabañero's layup, followed by back-to-back baskets from Mo Tounkara, effectively put the game on ice for UST with 1:24 left on the clock, extending their lead to 81-70.
Tounkara and Padrigao were standout performers for the Tigers, each recording impressive double-doubles.
Malian Tounkara dominated the court with 21 points and 17 rebounds while achieving a plus-22 rating in his 30 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Padrigao contributed significantly with 14 points and 11 assists, finishing with a plus-21 rating in just 24 minutes.
Tounkara emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “It’s just teamwork. We were able to share the ball. We put all the effort to share the ball and keep playing as a team. We have an amazing point guard that’s why we were able to get this win today."
Cabañero also shone in the fourth quarter, scoring eight of his 13 points during that period.
Christian Manaytay and Gelo Crisostomo also made valuable contributions, each scoring 11 points.
On the other side, Jorick Bautista led the Tamaraws with 17 points as they slipped to 1-6 at the bottom of the standings.
Rookies also stepped up for FEU, with Pre adding 14 points and seven rebounds, Janrey Pasaol contributing 13 points, and Jedric Daa making 11 points.
Gambian Mo Konateh registered 10 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks for the Tamaraws.
The Scores:
UST 83 – Tounkara 21, Padrigao 14, Cabañero 13, Manaytay 11, Crisostomo 11, Lane 5, Llemit 2, Calum 2, Acido 2, Danting 2, Paranada 0, Pangilinan 0, Estacio 0.
FEU 72 – Bautista 17, Pre 14, Pasaol 13, Daa 11, Konateh 10, Alforque 4, Montemayor 3, Ona 0, Nakai 0, Jones 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 34-32, 59-51, 83-72
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