Growling Tigers prevail over Red Warriors, escape winless season
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers avoided a 0-14 sweep with their first victory after outlasting the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 88-85, to end the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
UST played strong in the starting period, spearheading a 23-9 lead against the Warriors.
Two freebies from Reggie "Boy" Basibas following Marvin Lee's successful layup in the final frame turned the game in favor of UST, 84-79.
Steve Akomo goes for the wide open shot. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABSCBN Sports.
The Warriors responded defensively to tie the game, 85-all, but Oliver De Guzman banked two crucial free throws to seal the match.
Basibas' game-high 21 points along with the double-double performances of Steve Akomo, 18 points and 20 rebounds, and Eric Caunan, 14 markers and 11 boards, gave the Tigers their first win of the season.
Alvin Pasaol led the Warriors with 18 points while Jason Varilla chipped in 16 markers.
The Tigers and the Warriors ended the season at the bottom two of the team standings, with a 1-13 and 3-11 win-loss record, respectively.
Box scores:
UST 88 - Basibas 21, Akomo 18, Caunan 14, Lee 11, Garcia 10, De Guzman 6, Sta. Ana 4, Escalambre 2, Macasaet 2, Romero 0, Huang 0, Faundo 0.
UE 85 - Pasaol 18, Varilla 16, Maloles 15, Conner 10, Acuno 8, Cullar 7, Manalang 7, Bartolome 2, Olayon 2, Derige 0.
Quarter scores:
23-15, 43-39, 63-61, 88-85