Red Warriors notch first win; Growling Tigers stay winless

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors have finally booked their first win in the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball tournament after conquering the winless University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 96-91, on Oct. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Alvin Pasaol, who scored a record-breaking 49 points against the De La Salle University Green Archers, sealed the game for the Warriors by his late dagger shot.

Pasaol basked in glory for the second time, scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds while the Red Warriors’ offensive scorer Philip Manalang garnered 20 points .

Alvin Pasaol [right] takes a shot as Jorem Soriano [left] rushes to defend. Photo by Josh Albelda from Rappler

Despite their late fourth-quarter rally, the Growling Tigers failed to shoot their free-throws.

Marvin Lee led the Growling Tigers with 20 points while Steve Akomo added a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds.

With the heart-breaking loss, the Tigers sank deeper in the league with a 0-7 win-loss record.

As of press time, the next games of both teams are yet to be announced.

Box scores:

UE 96 – Pasaol 32, Manalang 20, Olayon 15, Varilla 15, Bartolome 5, Acuno 4, Abanto 2, Conner 2, Maloles 1, Derige 0, Cullar 0.

UST 91 – Lee 20, Akomo 19, Sta. Ana 13, Faundo 12, Caunan 10, De Guzman 4, Lorenzana 3, Soriano 2, Romero 2, Huang 2, Garcia 2, Escalambre 2, Macasaet 0, Kwawukumey 0.

Quarter scores:

27-20, 54-43, 75-71, 96-91