MANILA – Builders Warehouse-University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers manhandled the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, 115-62, in the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on March 5.
Sophomore forward Deo Cuajao converted seven three-pointers to finish with 24 points, while Ferdinand Asuncion drained five outside baskets for 20 points for the Growling Tigers.
Rhenz Abando chipped in 15 points, six rebounds and two assists, Negrense Mark Nonoy tallied 11 markers, six boards and five assists, while Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo also contributed 11 marks, eight rebounds and dished four assists for UST.
It’s a step to the right direction for UST as it aims to build its players’ confidence ahead of the collegiate cage wars. They fell short of the title bid in UAAP Season 82 last year.
“What’s important is they’re confident in everything that they do. I always tell my players na knowing the system is not enough. Hindi pwedeng alam lang nila ‘yung sistema. Kailangan gumagaling din sila sa sistema,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo.
Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye carried the Engineers with a double-double outing of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Bryan Santos also registered 13 points and grabbed seven boards in the defeat.
Meanwhile, Apex Fuel Mindanao-San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags hardly broke sweat in eviscerating AMA Online Senior High by 46 points, 116-37.
RK Ilagan ignited the fire for the winning team by dropping 18 of his 22 points in the first half of the matchup. /PN
