MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs added another championship to their collection after ruling the Sulit Breakdown Basketball Under-17 tournament held recently.
The Manu Inigo-led Tiger Cubs clinched the crown after a lopsided 58-36 victory over Our Lady of Perpetual Socorro College (OLPSC) in the finals at the Moro Lorenzo Gym inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus.
Olomlekan Ajani, a 6-foot-8 Nigerian center currently under residency, led the way for the Tiger Cubs with a double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds to take home the MVP honors.
Dustin Batan added 14 markers, with two three-pointers, while team captain Nickson Cabañero also drilled two three-pointers to end up with eight markers for the Tiger Cubs.
Both teams were engaged in a tight battle early, with the Tiger Cubs slightly ahead of the OLPSC after the first quarter at 7-6 and on top at 22-20 heading into the halftime break.
The Tiger Cubs created a separation from OLPSC in the third frame at 35-25 before they pulled away for good in the final quarter to take their biggest lead of 21 points late in the fourth quarter.
Lebron Escalante was the lone double-digit scorer for the OLPSC, with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Other members of the Tiger Cubs team are Basti Castro, Dale Acuña, Sean Bohol, JL Aguilar, Tayshawn Guerrero, Z Rivera, Zach Valenzona, Lorenzo Cinco, Clarence Chu, Kiyam dela Cruz, Al-Sangki Zangki, and Thirdy Sy.
“This championship is a huge boost for these players as they are the ones who will compose the future Tiger Cubs team that will compete in the UAAP,” said team manager Jarvis Co.
The Tiger Cubs reached the finals after defeating Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets, while OLPSC ousted Passion Sports team in the other semi-final game./PN
