University of Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabañero against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas continues to make a statement in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.
The Growling Tigers have now defeated both of the past season's finalists after they triumphed over De La Salle University, 93-84, during their Saturday evening faceoff at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
UST improved to 2-0 following this victory, with Pido Jarencio's men currently holding wins against both defending champions University of the Philippines and the Green Archers.
READ: Collins Akowe dominates in debut as UST spoils defending champ UP's rally
This was also the first win of the Growling Tigers over La Salle after 16 games, or since UAAP Season 78 in 2015 wherein they defeated the Taft-based team, 81-79.
UST senior Nic Cabañero paced the España-based hoopers, putting up a game-high 27 points with six rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block, while prized rookie Collins Akowe continued his stellar play with a 20-point, 19-rebound game.
Also outstanding were Amiel Acido who had 13 points (3/8 3pts) with a crucial trey in the fourth, Forthsky Padrigao who made his season debut with 12 markers and nine dimes, and Kyle Paranada who posted five points with four dimes.
But even with the victory, Padrigao maintained that they are remaining patient with their approach, avoiding getting ahead of themselves.
"We're just sticking to our principles, what we do as a team," said the senior playmaker, who was making his season debut after sitting out vs. UP due to a suspension. "We're glad that we're progressing, but mahaba pa yung season."
Despite trailing by as much as 12, UST managed to crawl back behind Cabañero and Akowe's presence, and the duo also extended their efforts in the last quarter to distance themselves by as 11.
La Salle managed to stay afloat and got as close as three, 85-82, following a three-pointer by former UST Tiger Cub Doy Dungo at the 3:20 mark, but Akowe jump-started an eight-to-nothing surge which was capped off by a Cabañero lay-in with only 1:26 remaining to fend off the Green Archers.
Jacob Cortez led the Lasallians with 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists, Earl Abadam finished in double-digit scoring with 11, while Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Mike Phillips were limited to eight, eight, and nine, respectively.
The Scores:
UST 93 -- Cabanero 27, Akowe 20, Acido 13, Padrigao 12, Paranada 9, Crisostomo 5, Llemit 3, Danting 2, Laure 2, Calum 0, Bucsit 0, Estacio 0.
LA SALLE 84 -- Cortez 17, Abadam 11, Baclaan 9, Amos 9, Marasigan 9, Phillips 8, Dungo 6, Pablo 4, Gollena 4, Gomez 4, Daep 3, Nwankwo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-27, 45-49, 72-74, 93-84.