By Jun Ray Navarres
University of Santo Tomas edged Adamson University, 75-49, to book a seat in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre. .
The Growling Tigers are back in the playoffs for the first time since Season 82 and is now assured of the third spot.
“’Yong first quarter hindi naman kami nag struggle pero masyadong good start ‘yong Adamson then we recovered. Ang difference is ‘yong second half, we became aggressive, we’re making our shots,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
A closely contested first half ended with Growling Tigers leading Adamson by a single point, 29-28. The España-based squad, however, turned the tide in the third quarter, unleashing a dominant 23-4 run to pull away.
Forthsky Padrigao orchestrated the offense with finesse, delivering pinpoint passes, stealing the ball, and finishing in transition. Kyle Paranada and Amiel Acido rained down threes, while Nic Cabañero and Mo Tounkara imposed their will in the mid-range and paint.
Acido and Cabañero contributed 8 points a-piece in the massive third period of UST. The Rookie finished with a career game of 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three, while veteran Cabañero added 13 points and eight rebounds
“Super blessed. Happy ako with the guidance of coaches and management. Sobrang natutuwa ako even though I’m struggling in the first half they continue to cheer me up,” said Cabañero.
Also, Tounkara had 11 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, while Paranada chipped in nine points and six assists.
Padrigao tallied seven points, six assists, two steals and two rebounds in the win.
Despite losing and dropping to 5-8, the Soaring Falcons still has a chance to qualify if they win against Ateneo De Manila University next Saturday while hoping that University of the East will fall against UP.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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