By Jun Ray Navarres
Host University of Santo Tomas remained undefeated after unleashing a furious late-game surge to defeat De La Salle University, 93-84 in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Trailing 56-68 following consecutive three-pointers from DLSU’s Mason Amos and Earl Abadam, UST ignited a massive 16-6 run to close the period and trim the deficit to a manageable two points, 72-74.
The Tigers of España seized the momentum heading into the final frame, stalking the Green Archers and eventually taking the lead.
With the game still hanging in the balance and UST nursing a slim three-point advantage with 3:20 left on the clock, Collins Akowe, Forthsky Padrigao, and Nic Cabañero combined for a decisive 8-0 run to slam the door shut and put the game out of reach.
“The darkest part of the game was when we were down by (12) but you saw that UST last year is not the same as UST this year. Medyo mas confident na kami dito sa laro na ito,” said UST assistant coach Peter Martin.
The win snapped UST’s 16-game losing skid against the Season 86 champs — a drought that dated back to a slim 81-79 victory in the second round of UAAP Season 78 on October 11, 2015.
Cabañero led the pack for UST with 27 points and nine rebounds followed by Akowe’s double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds.
Sophomore Amiel Acido chipped in 13 points while returning Padrigao, who was suspendedIn the finale of Season 87 added 12 baskets.
Meanwhile, Jacob Cortez provided 17 points for DLSU in a losing effort. Abadam contributed 11 while Amos, Kean Baclaan, and Vhoris Marasigan added nine points a-piece.
UST will return home on Wednesday against National University while La Salle hopes to come back on the same day against FEU.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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