THE UST Growling Tigers notched their first win in four games after beating the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 63-55, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan Sunday.
UST led by as much as 14 points before the Altas cut the deficit to six following Jack Hao’s trey, 55-61.
Carlos Escalambre’s turnover with 27.8 ticks remaining gave Perpetual a chance to complete the comeback. But UST’s Jordan Sta. Ana stole the ball from Hao leading to a dagger Steve Akomo dunk.
“Tina-try lang namin ‘yung best namin kasi mahirap na ‘yung 0-4 [na record], mahirap na makarecover. At least, sa games namin na malalakas ang kalaban ‘yung kumpiyansa [namin] nabalik, nadagdagan,” UST assistant coach Tylon Dar Juan said.
Following a 27-all tie in the first half, UST cruised to a 42-30 lead by outscoring the Altas in the third quarter, 17-7. The Tigers shut Perpetual down to just two field goals in the period.
Akomo produced another double-double performance of 11 points and 18 boards while Escalambre chipped in 10 markers.
Gab Daganon chalked up 11 points for Perpetual.
Up next for UST are the undefeated Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Sunday, May 28, 3:15 p.m., at the same venue.
