University of Santo Tomas pulled away late to defeat Far Eastern University, 92-80, and grab a share of the lead in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the Tamaraws still within striking distance at 80-82, Collins Akowe asserted his dominance inside with a layup over Mo Konateh.
Gelo Crisostomo then buried back-to-back three-pointers to give the Growling Tigers a commanding 10-point lead, 90-80, with just 2:03 left on the clock.
FEU went scoreless in the final 3:49 of the game, missing all four of its attempts.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“That triple overtime win against Ateneo really boosted us up. The coaches helped us and motivated us to push our limits this game despite our sloppy start. It’s all about team effort this game,” said Nic Cabañero, who tallied 14 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and two assists in the win.
UST head coach Pido Jarencio has yet to attend any of the postgame press conferences following his team’s victories this season.
With their third consecutive win, UST improved to 5-1 and joined National University at the top of the standings.
Kyle Paranada led the charge for the Growling Tigers with 19 points on an ultra-efficient 7-of-8 shooting, alongside four assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Crisostomo chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and a block.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I think it was a team effort. This game, we just came back from a triple overtime, so the coaches kept reminding us it’s gonna be a tough game no matter how many losses FEU has,” said Paranada.
Akowe posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds with four blocks, while Forthsky Padrigao contributed 11 points despite shooting just 2-of-10 from the field.
UST will aim to close out the first round strong and improve to 6-1 when it faces Adamson University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, FEU slipped to 1-5 for seventh place.
The Tamaraws will try to finish the first round on a positive note when they take on the winless University of the East Red Warriors on Sunday at the Big Dome.
Janrey Pasaol finished with 22 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in the losing effort. Meanwhile, Konateh added 19 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.
However, the duo also combined for 12 of FEU’s 21 turnovers.
The Scores:
UST (92) – Paranada 19, Cabañero 14, Crisostomo 14, Akowe 12, Padrigao 11, Llemit 7, Buenaflor 6, Danting 6, Acido 3, Estacio 0, Calum 0, Bucsit 0, Manding 0, Bangco 0, Sevilla 0, Laure 0.
FEU (80) – Pasaol 22, Konateh 19, Mongcopa 11, Bautista 11, Owens 8, Daa 3, Felipe 3, Salangsang 3, Jones 0, Macapagal 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 25-21, 46-47, 63-62, 92-80.
