MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers leaned on Sherwin Concepcion’s career-game to beat University of the East Red Warriors, 74-62, in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball on Thursday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Concepcion, one of the few key players that opted to stay put with UST amid the departure of several stars in 2020, tallied career-high 25 points, build on six triples, to lead the UST.
Aklanon Christian Manaytay and Nicael Cabañero chipped in 12 markers apiece, while Bryan Santos contributed double-double 10 points and 12 rebounds as the Growling Tigers notched its first win in three games.
The Red Warriors were in the front seat most of the second half and were clinging to a 62-61 lead before the Growling Tigers went on 11-0 run behind Cabañero, Santos and Concepcion for a 72-62 lead.
“Sa una talaga, gusto namin makuha yung panalo,” said Growling Tigers head coach Jinno Manansala. “Nakita namin yung lakas namin kaya nakuha namin yung panalo.”
Aurin Catacutan uncorked 17 points and five rebounds, while Harvey Pagsanjan added 10 markers as the Red Warriors remained win-less in three games.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Green Archers stayed undefeated in three matches after a 75-65 triumph over Far Eastern University Tamaraws (1-2).
Justine Baltazar and fellow senior Kurt Lojera steadied the ship for the Green Archers as they turned a slim 61-62 lead to a 71-61 spread with 3:10 left on the clock.
Baltazar finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and a block while Lojera got 10 points. Negrense Mark Nonoy drilled five triples for 17 markers for DLSU.
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (2-1) came alive in the fourth to dispose National University Bulldogs (1-2), 80-70. Ricci Rivero tallied 19 points, four assists, and two steals for UP.
BOX SCORE:
UST 74 – Concepcion 25, Cabanero 12, Manaytay 12, Santos 10, Fontanilla 8, Yongco 3, Ando 2, Pangilinan 2, Manalang 0, Garing 0, Mantua 0, Samudio 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Canoy 0.
UE 62 – Catacutan 17, Pagsanjan 10, Escamis 9, Antiporda 7, Lorenzana 5, Paranada N. 4, Beltran 4, Guevarra 4, Sawat 2, Paranada K. 0, Tulabut 0. Cruz 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 36-39, 50-53, 74-62./PN
