MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers returned to their winning ways in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball with an 83-72 beating of Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Mohammed Tounkara led the way with 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao contributed 14 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds as UST concluded the first round of eliminations with a 4-3 win-loss slate.
Nicael Cabañero contributed 13 points, including timely conversions in the endgame, while Christian Manaytay and Angelo Crisostomo regained their offense with 11 markers apiece for the Growling Tigers.
After wasting a 12-point lead in the opening half, the Growling Tigers regained control of the advantage in the second half as they maintained a 10-point lead (75-65) until with over two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The Tamaraws got a three-pointer and two free throws from Veejay Pre to cut the deficit to 70-75, but the Growling Tigers responded with a basket from Cabañero and back-to-back inside hits from Tounkara to increase the lead to 81-70.
“I think this is a big win for us after coming from two straight losses, nag-respond ‘yung team to stop the losing streak, nagsama-sama lang sila kanina sa game at nag-focus kami sa defense,” said UST assistant coach John Paul Cuan.
Jorick Bautista top-scored for the Tamaraws with 17 points, Pre added 14 markers, while Janrey Pasaol, Jedric Daa, and Mo Konateh contributed 13, 11, and 10, respectively. They dropped to a 1-6 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, National University Bulldogs leaned on Kenshin Padrones’ inside presence to defeat Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 78-68, and halt their four-game losing skid.
The 6-foot-5 Padrones finished with 18 points, on 7-of-12 shooting, to go with six rebounds, while Jake Figueroa added 15 markers as the Bulldogs improved to a 2-5 win-loss slate.
“Hopefully, this win will give us confidence going into the second round. At least, kahit papaano, alam nyo naman siyempre kung ano ‘yung kulang sa amin,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa, referring to the injury of Mo Diassana./PN
BOX SCORE:
UST 83 – Tounkara 21, Padrigao 14, Cabañero 13, Manaytay 11, Crisostomo 11, Lane 5, Llemit 2, Calum 2, Acido 2, Danting 2, Paranada 0, Pangilinan 0, Estacio 0.
FEU 72 – Bautista 17, Pre 14, Pasaol 13, Daa 11, Konateh 10, Alforque 4, Montemayor 3, Ona 0, Nakai 0, Jones 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 34-32, 59-51, 83-72.
