UAAP: UST repeats over Ateneo, strengthens Final Four push
UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 88 basketball tournament
UST Growling Tigers during a game against Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas snapped its four-game skid and bolstered its Final Four hopes with a 67-59 victory over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigers improved to 7-5, claiming solo third place and sweeping the Blue Eagles in the eliminations for the first time since 1998.
READ: UAAP: Akowe, UST working on free throws but left more to be desired
Collins Akowe led UST with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, while Nic Cabañero added 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Gelo Crisostomo contributed 10 points, nine boards, and three blocks.
“We were really fired up to bounce back after losing four straight games. We just focused on playing our game, and it paid off,” said Crisostomo.
UST Growling Tigers’ Collins Akowe during a game against Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
UST’s improvement at the free-throw line proved crucial. The Tigers made 22 of 28 attempts, a sharp turnaround from earlier games when they hit just 61.5 percent against UE and 53.8 percent versus UP.
READ: UAAP: Missed free throws haunt UST anew after tough loss to UP
In the fourth quarter, Kymani Ladi cut Ateneo’s deficit to four points with a three-pointer, but Forthsky Padrigao responded with two triples to push UST ahead 59-49. Amiel Acido, Nic Cabañero, and Crisostomo helped maintain the lead as Ateneo struggled to close the gap.
“We’re happy with the win, but we still want to improve each practice and game and carry that into the next match,” said Padrigao.
Ateneo fell to 5-6, tied for fifth with Adamson. Ladi scored 14 points but shot 6-of-21 from the field. The Blue Eagles will face defending champion UP on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
UST will meet league leader National University on Nov. 23, looking to continue its climb in the Final Four race.
