University of Santo Tomas didn’t need three overtimes this time to take down Ateneo de Manila University, showing marked improvement in free-throw shooting to secure a 67-59 win and boost its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Growling Tigers have now won back-to-back games after a four-game losing skid, improving their record to 7-5 and claiming solo third place.
UST also swept Ateneo in their elimination round head-to-head, having won their first-round encounter in an epic 98-89 triple-overtime game. This is the first time the Growling Tigers have swept the Blue Eagles in the eliminations since Season 61 in 1998.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Nung natalo kami ng four straight games, gigil na agad kami bumawi… Ibinalik lang namin ‘yung identity namin. Fortunately, ito nagreresulta na sa panalo ulit,” said Gelo Crisostomo, who finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
Head coach Pido Jarencio missed the postgame press conference for the seventh time this season and has yet to appear.
UST had struggled with free-throw shooting in previous games, making just 61.5-percent (24-of-39) in a 109-97 win over University of the East and 53.8-percent (28-of-52) in an 88-89 loss to University of the Philippines.
Against Ateneo, however, they made 22 of 28 attempts from the line, helping them maintain their lead in the fourth quarter.
Kymani Ladi opened the fourth with a three-pointer to cut the Blue Eagles’ deficit to four, 49-53, but Forthsky Padrigao fired two triples to push UST ahead 59-49.
That proved enough as Amiel Acido, Nic Cabañero, and Gelo Crisostomo answered every Ateneo attempt at a comeback.
“We’re glad that we got our much-needed win. Still happy with our progress at this stage of the season na we still want to improve each practice, each game, and hopefully we could translate it to our next game,” said Padrigao.
Collins Akowe delivered monster numbers with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks to lead the Growling Tigers. Nic Cabañero added 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Amiel Acido contributed nine points.
UST will next face league-leading National University on Nov. 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles slipped to 5-6, tied for fifth with the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Ladi was Ateneo’s lone double-digit scorer with 14 points but struggled from the field, going 6-of-21.
Ateneo will look to bounce back on Wednesday against defending champion University of the Philippines, also at the MOA Arena.
The Scores:
UST (67) – Akowe 15, Cabañero 14, Crisostomo 10, Acido 9, Paranada 7, Padrigao 6, Llemit 2, Buenaflor 2, Danting 2, Estacio 0, Calum 0.
Ateneo (59) – Ladi 14, Escobar 8, Tuano 8, Bahay 7, Adili 6, Lazaro 4, Bongo 4, Espina 2, Espinosa 2, Lazo 2, Fjelvang 2.
Quarterscores: 25-15, 35-33, 53-46, 67-59.
