University of Santo Tomas's Nic Cabanero. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas kept University of the East winless by posting a 111-99 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
It was a bounce-back win for them, improving to 3-1 win-loss card, after losing to National University last Wednesday, 76-69.
READ: UAAP: Figueroa takes charge late, powers NU past UST
The Growling Tigers shook off a sluggish start as the UE side even led early, 24-15, as they eventually found their rhythm in the second frame and etched a 59-55 lead entering halftime.
READ: UAAP: NU faces tough test against defending champ UP
The UST crew continued their scoring ways in the third quarter, 24-12, and held the lead until the buzzer rang.
When the dust settled, Nic Cabanero, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, October 3, poured in 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting and showcased his playmaking ways by tallying eight assists.
Big man Collins Akowe had a monstrous double-double output of 18 markers and 17 rebounds, and Forthsky Padrigao also chipped in 18 points and five treys for the winning cause.
The UST bench made its presence felt, listing 36 points, led by Leonardo Acido and Mark Llemit, who had 11 points and four rebounds each—in contrast, their counterparts only had 18.
They wasted John Abate's 27-point output and Drayton Caoile's 23-point showing for the Red Warriors.
UST battles Ateneo de Manila University next, scheduled exactly a week from now, as UE, now 0-4, sets its sights on a breakthrough win against Adamson University.
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