University of Santo Tomas finally broke into the win column after overcoming defending champion De La Salle University, 80-75, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 16.
Coming off an 85-92 setback against the University of the Philippines in its opening game, UST bounced back with a composed performance, particularly in the crucial final minutes, to hand La Salle its first loss of the season.
Collins Akowe put the Growling Tigers ahead, 76-73, with 25.2 seconds remaining before Amiel Acido calmly converted his free throws to put the game beyond La Salle’s reach.
The defeat dropped the Green Archers to a 1-1 record.
Acido, who entered the game as a reserve, led UST with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Akowe also delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
“Ito hindi ako ‘to, mga coaches, I commend them, hinimay nila, nag-scout ng husto, mga players,” UST head coach Pido Jarencio said. “Kahit papaano natalo namin ang La Salle, basta hindi kami malakas. Okay? Pero kapag we work as a team, one unit, malakas kami.”
Acido said the team used its opening-game loss as motivation and focused on correcting the mistakes that cost them against UP.
“‘Yong lost namin against UP talagang we have to work on sa mga mistakes na nangyari no’ng first game,” Acido said. “Matagal naming pinaghandaan ‘to and hindi namin makukuha ‘tong panalo kung hindi kami nagtulungan.”
Landyn Junawan added 10 points for UST, while Charles Esteban contributed nine. Mark Llemit and Kojji Buenaflor combined for 11 points as the Growling Tigers maintained their lead through the closing stretch.
UST also saw Gelo Crisostomo leave the court after suffering an injury to his right knee during the opening quarter. He had sustained a similar injury during the team’s first game against UP.
Vhoris Marasigan paced La Salle with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jacob Cortez and team captain Earl Abadam each scored 13 points, while Joshua Pablo and Macalalag contributed 10 apiece.
The Growling Tigers will return to action after nearly two weeks, facing Adamson in the same venue. La Salle, meanwhile, is scheduled to take on Far Eastern University on the same day.
The scores:
UST (80) – Acido 19, Akowe 18, Junawan 10, Esteban 9, Llemit 6, Buenaflor 5, D. Sevilla 4, Cañete 4, Porter 3, Crisostomo 2, Alao 0, Manding 0, Danting 0.
DLSU (75) – Marasigan 16, Cortez 13, Abadam 13, Pablo 10, Macalalag 10, Dungo 5, Tovera 4, Amos 2, Kulang 2, Gagate 0, Sardon 0, Daep 0.
Quarter scores: 24-16, 45-40, 61-56, 80-75.