THE UST Tiger Cubs notched their first win on home turf against the UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons, 86-77, on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Rookie Miguel Austria spearheaded UST on both ends with 28 points and 26 rebounds, while Mcryan Macasarte chipped in 20 markers.
The Tiger Cubs trailed for much of the first half as they shot just 34.8% from the field and committed 12 turnovers, with the visitors taking a 45-41 lead into the break on a 43% shooting clip.
The España-based squad flipped the script midway through the third, uncorking a 12-2 run to take their first lead of the game.
Timely baskets from Macasarte, who scored eight points in the run, helped push the lead to 53-47.
UST carried the momentum into the final stretch of the third, extending the advantage to 67-57 heading into the fourth.
The Tiger Cubs utilized their size as they outscored the Fighting Maroons in the paint, 56-36, to cruise into victory.
Kean Poquiz led UPIS with 29 points and eight rebounds, while Zandro Lugatiman added 19 points and 12 boards.
The Tiger Cubs will next take on the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Adamson University Gym. F
