Collins Akowe returned to his usual role and delivered a big performance, powering the University of Santo Tomas to an 89-84 victory over Kieffer Alas-less Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After sitting out the Growling Tigers’ previous game against the UE Red Warriors, where Peter Osang impressed in his absence, Akowe was reactivated and made an immediate impact to help UST improve to a 7-6 record at fifth place.
The Growling Tigers are now just half a game behind third- and fourth-ranked Far Eastern University and De La Salle University, both holding identical 7-5 records, as they continue their push for a Final Four berth.
The Season 88 Rookie of the Year and Elite Team member finished with 16 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block. He also posted a team-best plus-19 rating in 34 minutes of action.
UST will look to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth when it takes on also-ran Adamson University on November 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, Ateneo failed to build on its promising 3-1 start to the season, slipping to a 5-8 record and missing the Final Four for the third consecutive season.
Sensational rookie Kieffer Alas was unavailable for the Blue Eagles due to a fever.
Ateneo will close out its campaign on November 25 against the University of the East.
