Last season, Ateneo de Manila University matched its worst record ever in the Final Four era of the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament with a disappointing 4-10 finish, while University of Santo Tomas returned to prominence by making the Final for the first time in four seasons.
The Blue Eagles, however, split their head-to-head matchups with the Growling Tigers, handing UST a defeat at their very own Quadricentennial Pavilion, 67-64, in the second round.
On Saturday evening, UST got its revenge with a historic 98-89 triple-overtime victory over Ateneo at the packed Blue Eagle Gym.
The win was arguably the most satisfying of the elimination round. Not only was it the first-ever triple-overtime game in the men’s division of the Final Four era, but it also allowed the Tigers to finally avenge their previous loss to Ateneo.
“Napakaganda po nitong laro na ito. Lumabas lahat ng laro namin and then bawi na rin po namin ito last season na natalo kami ng Ateneo sa home court naman namin,” said Gelo Crisostomo after the marathon match.
Crisostomo delivered the best game of his career with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 17 rebounds, four assists, and one block. He was a perfect complement to UST center Collins Akowe, who posted 20 points, 19 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.
It was a career night for Crisostomo, who had been averaging just 5.75 points and 5.0 rebounds in UST’s first four games.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre masaya ako na nakakatulong ako sa team. Last few games namin, ang pangit nga ng mga laro ko pero nandito pa rin yung teammates ko na tumutulong sa akin na hayaan ko lang yung mga laro ko na pangit basta isipin ko lang yung game plan,” he added.
UST captain Nic Cabañero also expressed his gratitude to the Thomasian community, who traveled to the venue and gave the Growling Tigers a much-needed boost despite playing an away game.
The Tigers now sit at 4-1, tied for first place with the National University Bulldogs.
“Umiyak kaming lahat dahil sa sobrang pagod kanina. Ang sarap sa feeling na first time namin lahat mag-triple overtime sa UAAP. Alam mo yung feeling na nakakapagod, pero sobrang saya namin,” said the graduating winger.
“Thank you sa UST community even ang layo dito sa Ateneo, pumunta from España to Katipunan. Thank you. Thank you.”
