Tigers, Falcons break through; Blazers remain perfect

University of Santo Tomas went all out in the third quarter to rip Jose Rizal University, 98-88, in the Chooks-to-Go Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Renzo Subido spearheaded the Growling Tigers in their breakthrough win, finishing with 24 points built on 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range as Santo Tomas improved to 1-2 while dealing the Heavy Bombers a fourth straight defeat.

It was a rare win for UST in the Aldin Ayo era, with the outspoken coach admitting later on that there’s still a long way to go as far as whipping the Tigers into UAAP Final Four force is concerned.

“We came from ‘Ground Zero,’” Ayo said, referring to the team he inherited from the dismissed Boy Sablan. “This is only our second win in all competitions and tune-up matches.”
Adamson got its act together late to slip past Letran, 83-80, for its first win as Sean Manganti poured in 20 points.

College of St. Benilde remained unbeaten after pounding out an 80-73 decision of Far Eastern later in the day for a 3-0 record. Justin Gutang led CSB with 27 points, with Clement Leutcheu shooting 13 and Edward Dixon finishing with 12. Arvin Tolentino had 16 for FEU.