MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas dominated University of the East, 95-82, to open its UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball campaign with a bang Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigers started off with a blistering 13-0 run for a 24-16 lead and never looked back, denying the Red Warriors who had a surprising coaching change just a day before the opener.
UST continued to press the issue in the third quarter with Soulemane Chabiyo completing a three-point play to give UST a commanding 65-57 lead.
This was the Growling Tigers’ first opening game win since Season 78 when they beat Adamson 78-63 in the campaign that saw them claim a league-best 11-3 record in the elimination round.
Rhenz Abando led UST with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in his collegiate debut.
“It feels good to win your first game because it gives you confidence, it boosts your morale especially if you have nine newcomers,” said UST head coach Aldin Ayo.
“When you have that many rookies you what you want is in the very first game they should be able to play with their own style so we can set the tone early.”
Chabiyo finished with a 19-point, 12-rebound effort to help the Growling Tigers take off while Brent Paraiso and Sherwin Concepcion had 10 points apiece.
Young skipper CJ Cansino, who’s coming off an ACL injury in his rookie season, filled the stat sheets for UST with nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Rey Suerte put up 23 points and eight boards for the Red Warriors while Alex Diakhite had 20 points and 21 boards.