MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers barged into the win column of the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup after an 84-73 win over Arellano University Chiefs at the San Juan Arena.
Negrense Mark Nonoy led the way with 29 points and five rebounds, while fellow rookie Rhenz Abando chipped in 17 markers for the Growling Tigers, which improved to 1-2 win-loss slate.
After seeing its early double digit lead whittled to 60-63 heading into the fourth, the Growling Tigers pulled away anew in the final quarter with nine straight points from Nonoy.
Not to be outdone, Abando spearheaded another run for the Growling Tigers with eight straight markers as the lead went up to as high as 84-70 with over a minute left in the match.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Tamaraws also cruised to a huge victory when it take down NCAA powerhouse Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 86-78.
Brandrey Bienes led three other teammates in double-digits with 14 points built on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, while Wendell Comboy, Alec Stockton, and Xyrus Torres all had 13 points for the Tamaraws.
In the other match, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights bounced back with a 79-77 victory versus Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals. Allen Mina finished with 17 points, while Larry Muyang had double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Knights./PN
