University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University secured vital victories in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, keeping their semifinal bids alive in the second round.
The UST Growling Tigers dominated the University of the East Red Warriors, 97-70, while the Adamson Soaring Falcons edged the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 62-55.
Playing without Collins Akowe, UST relied on a dominant offensive display led by Amiel Acido, who tallied 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Peter Osang added a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double with five blocks in his season debut, while Landy Jumawan contributed 16 points.
Toper Lagat paced UE with 22 points, as the Red Warriors dropped to 1-11. The win lifts UST to a 6-6 record, tightening the race behind FEU and De La Salle (6-5).
In the second matchup, Adamson utilized a solid defensive stance to fend off a late Ateneo charge. Precious Jonah anchored the Soaring Falcons with 11 points and 17 rebounds. Manu Anabo chipped in nine points, sealing the win with a crucial four-point play during a fourth-quarter push. Shawn Tuano led Ateneo with 11 points.
The victory moved Adamson to 5-7, tying Ateneo, which absorbed its third consecutive loss.
Reflecting on the team’s resilience after a previous loss to UE, Adamson head coach Nash Racela noted the squad’s response to the challenge of inconsistency.
”We struggled with inconsistency, but the players showed the determination needed to get back on the winning track.”
Both teams face critical assignments ahead, with UST meeting Ateneo and Adamson battling defending champion La Salle on Sunday, November 15. Meanwhile, UE takes on National University on Saturday, November 14.