MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers made a short work against Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 95-65, at the start of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League UAAP-NCAA Challenge at the San Juan Arena on Feb. 8.
Crispin John Cansino paved the way to victory with 13 points, including three triples, while Soulemane Chabi Yo and Frederick Asuncion added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, for the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball runner-up.
Negrense Mark Nonoy and Ira Bataller finished with eight points each, Miguel Pangilinan had seven markers, while Vince Cuajao, Sherwin Concepcion and JC Garing contributed six points each for UST.
The Growling Tigers surged to an 18-6 start behind conversions from Chabi Yo and Cansino. Letran were able to rally to within three, but baskets from Cuajao and Concepcion gave UST a 26-17 advantage.
In the second period, the Knights got close, 21-27, but inside blows from Chabi Yo and long bomb conversions from Cansino, Bataller and Brent Paraiso allowed UST to build a 55-28 halftime edge.
The Growling Tigers went for the kill in the second half behind its second unit players that were responsible for establishing the largest lead of the match at 89-50 via baskets from Asuncion, Garing and Christian Manaytay.
In the second fixture of the league, UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles walloped San Beda University Red Lions, 83-69.
Mark Nonoy’s fellow Negrense Samjosef Belangel highlighted with 25 points, while Dwight Ramos added 12 markers for the victors./PN
