Growling Tigers secure 1st PCCL title berth

MANILA, Philippines —University of Santo Tomas had another champion for a victim as the Tigers slipped past the San Beda Red Lions, 63-60, to clinch the first title slot in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Thursday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Aljon Mariano unloaded 16 points, including the Tigers’ last four, to help the UAAP runners-up to their second win in as many games.

“The killer instinct was there,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio. “They just wanted to win.”

The Tigers’ victory in the round-robin semifinals assured them of a Finals stint, leaving three-time NCAA titlist San Beda and five-time UAAP king Ateneo to dispute the last championship berth tomorrow.

Ateneo wound up tied with San Beda at 1-1 after the Blue Eagles overwhelmed Southwestern University, 96-78, in the first game.

Greg Slaughter topscored for the Eagles with 18 points as the Eagles rebounded from their 66-76 loss to the Tigers at the start of the Final Four last Wednesday.

The Cobras, who nearly pulled off an upset over the Red Lions, 73-72, bowed out of contention with a 0-2 slate.

The scores:
First Game
ATENEO 96—Slaughter 18, Ravena 16, Salva 10, Sumalinog 8, Gonzaga 8, Porter 7, Pessumal 6, Chua 6, Tiongson 6, Elorde 6, Golla 3, Capacio 2, Lom 0.
SOUTHWESTERN 78—Arong 17, Mbala 15, Guilena 12, Aboude 11, Ortuyo 10, Goloran 7, Bregondo 6, Pajantoy 0, Nalos 0, Dedace 0.
Quarters: 23-12, 50-31, 72-55, 96-78
Second Game
UST 63—Mariano 16, Abdul 12, Teng 12, Ferrer 8, Daquioag 5, Afuang 4, Fortuna 4, Bautista 2, Pe 0, Lo 0.
SAN BEDA 60—K. Pascual 18, Dela Cruz 10, Koga 10, Mendoza 6, Caram 5, J. Pascual 4, Amer 4, Dela Rosa 3.
Quarters: 15-25, 35-39, 53-48, 63-60