University of Santo Tomas put on a show before a sold-out crowd at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, unleashing a third-quarter storm to take down Ateneo de Manila University, 80-68, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
The Growling Tigers, who closed out the first round with a 4-3 record, made amends for their heartbreaking home loss to the Blue Eagles two years ago.
“Na-inspire din ang mga players. Thank you sa support ng UST community. We needed that nung second half kasi dikit ‘yung first half,” said assistant coach Japs Cuan.
“Very special to play for our school on our home court. We’re thankful for the support kasi practice pa lang namin nakikita na namin sila nakapila so ayaw din naman namin sayanagin ‘yung effort nila na pumunta dito.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Trailing 27-32 late in the second quarter, the Growling Tigers turned on the jets, scoring seven straight points to seize a 34-32 lead at halftime.
That was only the beginning of UST’s dominant run, as Amiel Acido, Kirk Cañete, and Mark Llemit combined for the first 15 points of the third quarter to fuel a 22-0 run that put the Tigers ahead, 49-32.
The victory also capped a perfect homestand for UST. The Tiger Cubs had beaten the Adamson Baby Falcons, 112-56, in the 16U division, while the Growling Tigresses defeated the Ateneo women’s team, 90-67.
Ateneo, meanwhile, absorbed its third consecutive loss to fall to a 3-4 record and seventh place in the standings.
“Credits sa teammates ko na kumbaga, naging disiplinado po sila na gawin ‘yung roles nila sa loob ng court. ‘Yun din ang naging boost namin kasi ‘yung energy at effort ng mga kasama namin sobrang taas,” said Acido, who scored 11 of his 15 points in the third quarter, when UST outscored the Blue Eagles, 29-10, to take a commanding 63-42 lead.
Nigerian big man Collins Akowe led the UST onslaught with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. Acido added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals to go with his scoring output, while Llemit finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
Koji Buenaflor chipped in 11 points and four rebounds as the Growling Tigers secured their second straight victory.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Rookie Kieffer Alas paced the Blue Eagles with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. However, he struggled with his shooting, making just five of 20 attempts from the field.
Andrew Bongo was the only other Ateneo player to score in double figures, finishing with 13 points.
Jared Bahay also struggled offensively, making just one of 13 attempts from the field to finish with three points.
The Scores:
UST 80 — Akowe 18, Acido 15, Llemit 15, Buenaflor 11, Cañete 6, Jumawan 6, Esteban 4, Chio 3, Manding 1, Bucsit 1, Danting 0, Porter 0, Sevilla 0, Alao 0.
Ateneo 68 — Alas 18, Bongo 13, Espinosa 7, Tuano 7, Roberts 7, Asoro 5, Baruwa 4, Kapihe 4, Bahay 3, Leal 0, Cainglet 0, Rogers 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 34-32, 63-42, 80-68.
