MANILA – Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao stepped up in the fourth quarter as University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers prevailed over University of the East Red Warriors, 80-71, to rule the Pinoyliga Global Invitational Cup on Sunday at the Enderun Gym in Taguig City.
With the score tied at 59-all early in the fourth quarter, Padrigao knocked down consecutive three-pointers followed by a layup from Nicael Cabañero to give the Growling Tigers a 67-59 advantage.
After a split free throw by Red Warriors’ Precious Momowei, Padrigao converted another three-pointer followed by inside baskets from Cabañero and Angelo Crisostomo to stretch the lead to 74-62.
The Red Warriors made their last push to cut the deficit to 71-76 with under a minute left, but two free throws from Padrigao and another basket from Cabañero sealed the championship for the Growling Tigers.
Padrigao finished with 21 points, with 11 coming in the fourth quarter, to go with four assists, two rebounds, and a steal as the Growling Tigers swept all of their five matches in the week-long competition.
Cabañero added 17 markers, Mark Llemit and Crisostomo contributed 16 and 13, respectively, while Peter Osang hauled 14 rebounds to go with three points for UST.
Growling Tigers head coach Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio said he is satisfied with the way they are starting their buildup for the UAAP Season 88, but he knew that they are still very far from getting to where he wants his team as far as having the chemistry and character as a unit.
“We are doing good so far, considering that Pinoyliga is our first tournament following the UAAP,” Jarencio said in a post-game interview.
“There are still things that we want to introduce for the coming season, and tournaments like this will be very important to our team. We’ll continue to work to improve our team,” he added.
Reiner Maga top-scored for the Red Warriors with 17 points, Wello Lingolingo added 12 markers, while John Abate contributed 10 points./PN
BOX SCORE:
UST 80 – Padrigao 21, Cabañero 17, Llemit 16, Crisostomo 13, Estacio 5, Osang 3, Robinson 3, Acido 2, Danting 0, Paranada 0, Galman 0, Alao 0, Laure 0, Calum 0.
UE 71 – Maga 17, Lingolingo 11, Abate 10, Momowei 9, Cabero 7, Robles 6, Spandonis 5, Cruz-Dumont 2, Fikes 3, Finney 0.
Quarterscores: 22-12, 40-37, 59-56, 80-71.
