By Jun Ray Navarres
University of Santo Tomas scored a decisive 87-67 victory over defending champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The lopsided win ended the Growling Tigers nine-game losing skid against the Fighting Maroons, a victory that marked their first against UP since a tough 2019 game sealed by a Renzo Subido dagger three.
“Dahil maganda ‘yung opening ceremony na idinaos ng UST so gusto rin namin ng magandang performance para sa fans at sa mga naniniwala sa amin. Gusto lang namin magperform nang maayos para sa community,” said UST deputy Japs Cuan, as head coach Pido Jarencio lost his voice and could not attend the postgame interview.
The departure of Quentin Milora-Brown, Malik Diouf, Aldous Torculas, and Lebron Lopez, left a gaping hole inside the paint of UP to which Collins Akowe immediately capitalized, towering over last years champs with a 29-point and 17 rebounds double-double debut.
The Nigerian center also earned 11 points on his 21 trips to the charity line while toying with the bigmen of UP who got into foul trouble as early as the third period.
“It’s a great feeling, just taking advantage of our crowd. I just do what I got to do. I’m representing UST, I have to take it upon myself, they’re taking care of me so this is the way I can pay them back,” said Akowe.
After establishing a huge 31-19 lead in the first period, the Growling Tigers never looked back, heading into the final quarter with a 70-57 advantage. UP’s struggles were evident in the final frame, where they were outscored 15-3 in the first eight minutes, giving UST an insurmountable 85-60 lead and sealing the blowout victory.
Kyle Paranada also delivered for UST with 18 points while Nic Cabañero, who is playing his last year chipped in nine points.
UP finished with a 37.5% field goal, shooting 27-72 from the field. Mark Belmonte led the pack with 12 points while Harold Alarcon and Jacob Bayla added 11 each.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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