UST’s Mo Tounkara and Forthsky Padrigao during a game against FEU in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas ended the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on a high note by shutting down Far Eastern University, 83-72, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigers (4-3) had a much better ball distribution and shooting in the second half to return to their winning ways after back-to-back losses.
Mo Tounkara and Forthsky Padrigao played a huge role in the victory with double-double performances.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
UST assistant coach Japs Cuan, Mo Tounkara, and Forthsky Padrigao after ending the first round on a high note. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/PsvvspvqRM
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Tounkara finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds while Padrigao delivered with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
“I think it’s a big win for us kasi coming from a two-game losing streak, and yung response ng team to stop the losing streak [was good]. As in, sama-sama lang sila kanina and nagfocus kami sa defense,” UST assistant coach Japs Cuan, speaking on behalf of Pido Jarencio, said.
Nic Cabañero, despite draining only six of his 21 attempts, added 13 points and six rebounds while Christian Manaytay and Gelo Crisostomo pitched in 11 points apiece.
Despite leading all game long, UST only pulled away in the fourth frame where they held a 10-point lead before holding off a late fightback by FEU led by its rookie Veejay Pre.
Cabañero, Tounkara and Padrigao helped restore order for the Tigers, who reestablished a nine-point cushion, 79-70, to put away the Tamaraws for good.
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“Credit din kay Forthsky kasi gina-gather niya yung team eh. Especially ang problem kasi namin for the past two games is after second half, yung third quarter namin. Dun kami medyo naga-alangan. So kanina, even if nakakahabol yung FEU, positive lang yung team and nagtulong tulong,” Cuan said.
“I think yun yung key talaga sa game namin kasi I think the past two games, our assist and turnover rate, masyadong mataas e. Kumbaga we needed to make some adjustments. We are at our best pag we’re sharing the ball so yun lang ang ginawa rin namin today and thankfully, nagbunga sa panalo,” Padrigao said.
Jorick Bautista, who played the hero role in FEU’s first win this season against Ateneo, paced the Tamaraws with 17 points. Pre chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, Janrey Pasaol 13 points, Jedric Daa 11 and Mo Konateh 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The hapless FEU failed to carry its momentum from its breakthrough win and dropped its sixth game in seven matches.