THE UST Growling Tigers dominated Tenri University from Japan to kickstart their AsiaBasket NSAC World Invitationals tourney, 88-65, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Friday, Aug 14.
UST big man Collins Akowe led the Tigers with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Amiel Acido matched his scoring output shooting 6-of-6 from the field.
The España-based squad exploited Tenri’s early foul woes to take a 27-13 lead after the opening canto.
The Japanese team struggled to find tempo in the second frame as the Tigers launched an 11-2 run capped by a Landyn Jumawan and-1 play to lead 51-29 by halftime.
UST uncorked a 15-4 run to start the second half, building a 33-point advantage and their biggest lead of the game.
Tenri finally found its rhythm in the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run courtesy of timely baskets by Jeremiah Williams and Hyato Yanagisawa.
Akowe and Acido responded with a 10-point blitz to pull away and cruise into the semi-finals.
Williams led the scoring for the Japanese squad with 23 points and 11 boards.
