University of Santo Tomas snapped its three-game losing streak with a crucial 79-70 win over the Veejay Pre-led Far Eastern University, securing their hold on the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero stepped up in the final quarter to stave off a strong Tamaraws rally led by the 19-year-old Pre, who delivered a standout performance with 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting and 14 rebounds.
FEU fought hard in crunch time, with Janrey Pasaol’s layup cutting UST’s lead to 69-64 with 2:42 left.
However, Paranada answered with a clutch corner three-pointer, followed by a free throw from Cabañero, extending UST’s lead back to nine.
Pre tried to push the Tamaraws back into the game, but baskets from Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Christian Manaytay sealed the victory for the Growling Tigers, bringing their record to 5-6.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Three-game losing streak kami, kaya kailangang makabalik. Nagtrabaho ‘yung mga bata, tapos breakout game din kay Kyle Paranada. Basta ang iniisip namin, ‘yung last four games, do-or-die games na,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
UST now holds a game-and-a-half advantage over FEU, Ateneo de Manila University, and Adamson University, who are all tied at 3-7.
Paranada scored all of his 13 points in the second half, hitting 5-of-6 from the field, while Cabañero tallied half of his 16 points in the decisive fourth quarter.
“In the locker room, ang sinasabi lang namin is that we’re aiming for the Final Four. With that word from the coaches, doon na kami na-motivate agad,” shared Cabañero.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Padrigao contributed 14 points and five rebounds, while Mo Tounkara made an impact with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in his return.
UST will next face National University on November 6 at the same Pasay venue.
For FEU, Pre’s effort wasn’t enough as Janrey Pasaol was the only other significant contributor with nine points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Royce Alforque added eight points and eight rebounds, while Jorick Bautista struggled, managing only eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.
The Tamaraws, whose two-game winning streak was cut short, will look to bounce back on November 3 against the University of the East at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
UST (79) – Cabañero 16, Padrigao 14, Paranada 13, Tounkara 11, Manaytay 7, Acido 6, Lane 6, Pangilinan 6, Crisostomo 0, Llemit 0, Calum 0, Laure 0, Estacio 0.
FEU (70) – Pre 31, Pasaol 9, Alforque 8, Bautista 8, Konateh 4, Añonuevo 3, Bagunu 3, Daa 2, Montemayor 2, Ona 0, Nakai 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 32-29, 50-43, 79-70
