By Jun Ray Navarres
University of Santo Tomas roared back to life, snapping a three-game losing streak with a crucial 79-70 victory over Far Eastern University on Sunday at the MOA Arena, securing their fourth-place position in the UAAP Season 87.
The Growling Tiger reasserted their claim to a Final Four spot with a convincing win.
Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero, combining their efforts in the final period, repelled the late charge of the FEU Tamaraws, spearheaded by Veejay Pre’s 13-point outburst, ultimately limiting him to 31 points, just two short of Kevin Quiambao’s season-high 33 points set yesterday.
“Three-game losing streak kaya kailangang makabalik. Nagtrabaho ‘yung mga bata tapos breakout game kay Kyle Paranada. Basta kami ang iniisip namin ‘yung last four games do-or-die games na,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
Jorick Bautista’s contested three-pointer brought FEU within striking distance at 60-64 with 4:13 remaining, but Mo Tounkara’s quick-strike three-pointer in transition immediately got the lead back for the Growling Tigers.
Janrey Pasaol’s crafty scoop shot briefly ignited hope for FEU, cutting the deficit to five, 64-69.
However, Paranada’s dagger of a three-pointer, followed by Cabañero’s free throw, quickly extinguished the flame, extending the lead back to nine.
“In the locker room all we can say is that we’re aiming for the Final Four. With that word from the coaches, doon na kami namotivate agad,“ said Cabañero.
The veteran guard led UST in scoring with 16 points after playing a little less than 36 minutes.
Meanwhile, Paranada finished with 13 points which he all scored in the second half on 5-of-6 mark from the field. Returning Tounkara provided valuable minutes, hitting 11 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and two rejections.
On the other hand, Pre’s breakout night ended with a 14-rebound double-double but was lacking reinforcements as Pasaol only added nine points while Bautista and Royce Alforque only contributed eight apiece.
Nonetheless, UST hopes to continue winning ways against skidding National University on Nov 6 while FEU will try to bounce back on Nov 3 against University of the East.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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