THE UST Growling Tigers snapped their three-game losing streak after pounding the FEU Tamaraws, 79-70, in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Oct. 27.
With the win, the Tigers strengthened their grip on the fourth seed with a 5-6 win-loss slate. Meanwhile, the Tamaraws slid to a 3-7 standing.
UST kickstarted the match aggressively with King Tiger Nic Cabañero finishing down the lane to pin a 10-0 burst, 16-6.
After a timeout, FEU answered with a 7-0 run sparked by guard Jedrick Daa to close out the first frame trailing, 16-13.
The Morayta-based squad continued to charge in the second salvo as rookie hotshot Veejay Pre scored over his defender to tie the match, 24-all.
Both teams traded blows but the España squad remained in the driver’s seat by halftime after Mo Tounkara scored inside, 32-29.
Tamaraw Cholo Añonuevo drained a triple to bring the game to a 40-all deadlock midway through the third quarter.
But a four-point play in courtesy of Tiger guard Kyle Paranada shifted the momentum to their side, allowing UST to gain a seven-point advantage before the payoff period, 50-43.
Paranada fired up in the fourth frame, scoring three straight baskets to give the Tigers a 10-point lead, 59-49.
With a three-game win streak on the line, the Tamaraws attempted a comeback but it was already out of reach.
Four players scored in double-digits for UST with Cabañero leading the pack with 16 points, three boards and dimes each.
Padrigao had 14 points, five boards and three assists, while Paranada added 13 markers. Tounkara, who just returned from a one-game suspension, chalked up an 11-point and 12-rebound double-double.
The Tamaraws’ loss overshadowed Pre’s career-high 31 points that came along with 14 rebounds.
The Tigers will aim to maintain their winning ways when they face the struggling NU Bulldogs on Nov. 6, Wednesday, at the same venue. F
