By Jun Ray Navarres
The University of Santo Tomas put a stop to their near-decade setback against the Ateneo De Manila University, 74-64 to secure their second straight win in the Wednesday showcase of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles started the final stanza with an 8-3 run to secure a 60-56 advantage.
However, roars of “Go USTe” echoed the Big Dome as the Growling Tigers started their late game assault with seven unanswered points to take the lead, 63-60. Mo Tounkara’s baseline jumper followed by former blue eagle Forthsky Padrigao’s three increased the gap to eight, 68-60.
After the successful defense of the Growling Tigers, Nic Cabañero finished the dime from Tounkara on a fastbreak to build a 10-point cushion, 70-60 with a less than four minutes left in the game.
“It’s all about the players,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio. “Sa akin, ano lang kami rito eh guidance lang kami sa mga players, sila ang nagpanalo ng game. It’s a total team effort.”
Yet, it was actually a different story before the half time break as UST found themselves struggling to keep up with Ateneo and finishing the half trailing 37-41.
Luckily the representatives of España picked themselves up after the dugout break to take the game and tie with De La Salle University for the top spot of the tournament. This win also ends 17-game losing streak to Ateneo.
“No’ng first half parang na-outhustle kami ng Ateneo. ‘Yong effort mas mataas po sa amin kaya no’ng kinausap po kami ng coaches namin na doblehin ‘yong effort namin, ‘yon po yung ginawa naming no’ng second half,” shared Padrigao who tallied six points and nine assists on a plus-16 showing.
Also, Gelo Crisostomo had his breakout game for UST with double-double of 16 points and 10 boards. Tounkara finished with additional 16 markers and 14 rebounds.
Josh Lazaro’s 18-10 double double was spoiled as Ateneo sunk to a 0-2 record this season.
UST hopes to continue momentum against Adamson while Ateneo will face biggest rival DLSU both on Sunday.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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