University of Santo Tomas’ Collins Akowe against De La Salle University’s Mason Amos in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Collins Akowe muscled his way inside as University of Santo Tomas fended off De La Salle University’s late rally for an 80-75 victory in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The bruising Akowe posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists as the Growling Tigers bounced back from their 92-85 loss to University of the Philippines on Sunday.
"We just stay composed. We already lost to UP, so we had to bounce back," said Akowe, who helped UST avoid squandering its 72-63 lead in the fourth period.
Amiel Acido also stood out with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Landyn Jumawan posted 10 points and four rebounds, with the duo providing Akowe with help in the endgame.
Seeing their nine-point lead trimmed to one, 73-72, after a JC Macalalag three-pointer at the 1:27 mark, Akowe willed himself to put the Tigers ahead, 75-72.
La Salle still had 25 seconds to respond, but Jacob Cortez missed his attempt, while Acido went on to ice the game from the foul line with four straight makes.
The Green Archers, for their part, saw Vhoris Marasigan lead the team with 16 points, while Cortez and Earl Abadam both scored 13, but their efforts were not enough as they absorbed their first loss in two games.
Macalalag and Luis Pablo both scored 10 points, while Joaquin Tovera was limited to four points on 2-of-5 shooting after previously torching National University on Sunday with 22 points.
The Scores:
UST 80 — Acido 19, Akowe 18, Junawan 10, Esteban 9, Llemit 6, Buenaflor 5, D. Sevilla 4, Cañete 4, Porter 3, Crisostomo 2, Alao 0, Manding 0, Danting 0.
La Salle 75 — Marasigan 16, Cortez 13, Abadam 13, Pablo 10, Macalalag 10, Dungo 5, Tovera 4, Amos 2, Kulang 2, Gagate 0, Sardon 0, Daep 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16, 45-40, 61-56, 80-75.