University of Santo Tomas unleashed a third-quarter storm to turn back University of the East, 111-99, and return to the win column of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
Clinging to a slim 59-55 halftime lead, the Growling Tigers broke loose as Nic Cabañero, Amiel Acido, and Collins Akowe fueled a 24-12 surge in the third period to seize an 83-67 advantage.
UST built its biggest cushion midway through the fourth quarter when Cabañero drilled a triple to make it 100-80.
“Especially with the way we prepared this team, sobra ‘yung kumpyansa ni coach Pido, especially our vets in Nic, Forthsky. We are not taking anything here for granted. This is the UAAP, that’s the beauty of the UAAP — anything can happen,” said UST assistant coach Juben Ledesma.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Growling Tigers bounced back quickly from their first loss of the season on Wednesday, improving to 3-1 for solo third in the standings.
After being limited to just five points and eight rebounds against National University while battling illness, Akowe redeemed himself with a monster outing of 18 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.
“Motivation lang talaga namin ‘yung past game against NU. Gustong-gusto namin bumawi, but ‘yung bawi namin ay hindi gigil,” said Cabañero, who once again led UST with 22 points and eight assists.
Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 18 points, six assists, and six steals, while Acido and Mark Llemit each contributed 11 markers in the victory.
The 111-point outburst was the highest by any UAAP team since La Salle’s 112-point performance in a 29-point rout of UST back on April 19, 2002.
It was also the most points scored by a Pido Jarencio-coached squad, surpassing the 104-point tally in a 15-point win over NU on July 16, 2009.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UE, meanwhile, slid to 0-4, stretching its losing skid to 10 games dating back to the second round of Season 87.
John Abate spearheaded the Red Warriors with 27 points and seven assists, while Dray Caoile sizzled with 23 points, including 20 in the first half.
Precious Momowei also had a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Mo Tanedo added 11.
The Red Warriors, however, sorely missed Wello Lingolingo, who sat out due to illness.
Both teams will return to action next Saturday at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.
UE seeks its breakthrough win against Adamson University at 2:00 PM, while UST collides with host Ateneo at 4:30 PM.
The Scores:
UST (111) – Cabañero 22, Padrigao 18, Akowe 18, Acido 11, Llemit 11, Calum 9, Danting 9, Crisostomo 8, Bucsit 3, Buenaflor 2, Paranada 0, Estacio 0.
UE (99) – Abate 27, Caoile 23, Momowei 16, Tanedo 11, Datumalim 9, Malaga 6, Lagat 3, Jimenez 2, Rosete 2, Robles 0, Cruz-Dumont 0, Despi 0.
Quarterscores: 29-31, 59-55, 83-67, 111-99.
