University of the Philippines’ Francis Nnoruka against University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of the Philippines found its footing in the fourth period to overwhelm University of Santo Tomas, 92-85, for a victorious start to the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Francis Nnoruka had his way inside with 18 points, 12 rebounds, a block, and a thunderous one-handed jam to end the game, while Noy Remogat tallied 11 points, including timely three-pointers in the last canto.
“The team really worked hard for this game. I believe that this group has its own identity as a team, and for me, whatever we faced, especially in the first half, we responded well," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, as the Maroons move on from the “Maroon 5" era.
Miguel Yñiguez was also crucial with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from long range, Sean Alter followed with nine markers, while Gani Stevens, Reiner Maga, and transferee Arvie Poyos each scored eight points for State U.
On the other hand, Mark Llemit finished with 19 points, while Amiel Acido added 18 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, but their efforts went for naught as the Growling Tigers squandered a nine-point lead in the second half.
Collins Akowe still had a double-double of 13 points and 17 rebounds but was limited to 6-of-16 shooting, while rounding out UST's double-digit scorers was Ice Danting with 11 markers.
The Scores:
UP 92 — Nnoruka 18, Remogat 11, Yñiguez 11, Alter 9, Poyos 8, Stevens 8, Maga 8, Pre 7, Payosing 5, Briones 5, Bayla 2, Palanca 0.
UST 85 — Llemit 19, Acido 18, Akowe 13, Danting 11, Buenaflor 8, Jumawan 6, Cañete 5, Sevilla 5, Porter 0, Crisostomo 0, Alao 0, Manding 0, Esteban 0.
Quarterscores: 24-22, 44-48, 66-62, 92-85.