MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers showcased its retooled roster to dominate University of the East Red Warriors, 70-55, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Capiznon Christian Manaytay tallied 10 points, on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting, to go with three rebounds, one assist, and a steal as the Growling Tigers kicked off their campaign on a winning note.
Nicael Cabañero top-scored for the Growling Tigers with 14 markers, three rebounds, two assists, and Mohammed Tounkara contributed 13 markers for the Growling Tigers.
The Growling Tigers leaned on inside connections by Tounkara and Mark Llemit for an 18-8 advantage. The lead continued to grow in the second frame behind Manaytay’s attacks for a 36-19 halftime lead.
The Red Warriors showed some life in the second half as they cut the deficit to 13 points, but the Growling Tigers got connections from Cabañero and Kyle Paranada for a 68-46 lead late in the fourth period.
“Team ko na ito eh. Matagal ‘yung preparation namin for this. We’re ready. Mahabang season ito pero, for sure, with the coaches we have, we’ll be ready,” said UST head coach Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio.
Precious Momowei finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Ethan Galang contributed 10 markers for the Red Warriors.
On Saturday night, season host University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons thwarted Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ fourth-quarter uprising to score a dominant 77-61 victory.
Leading by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, the Fighting Maroons were surprised by a huge run by the Blue Eagles in the fourth quarter that cut their lead to eight points.
JD Cagulangan responded with a buzzer-beating two-pointer followed by a three-point play from Francis Lopez and another layup from Cagulangan to restore a double-digit edge with over a minute left.
Cagulangan had a near triple-double showing of 17 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds to lead the Fighting Maroons, Lopez added 14 markers, and Quentin Millora-Brown hauled 17 rebounds to go with seven points./PN
BOX SCORE:
UST 70 – Cabañero 14, Tounkara 13, Manaytay 10, Llemit 9, Padrigao 5, Pangilinan 5, Paranada 4, Crisostomo 4, Lane 2, Robinson 2, Acido 2, Estacio 0, Laure 0, Mahmood 0.
UE 55 – Momowei 12, Galang 11, Fikes 9, Wilson 9, Lingo Lingo 4, J. Cruz-Dumont 2, Maga 2, Abate 2, Mulingtapang 2, Malaga 2, H. Cruz-Dumont 0, Go 0, Spandonis 0, Robles 0.
Quarterscores: 18-8, 36-19, 50-35, 70-55.
