THE UST Tiger Cubs opened their UAAP Season 80 boys’ basketball tournament with a 35-point whacking of the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 97-62, at the Arena in San Juan Saturday.
Kobe Palencia hit a three pointer to seal an 11-6 run in the payoff period with 7:07 minutes remaining to put the game out of reach, 73-50.
Holding a slim 36-31 cushion entering the third period, Palencia and CJ Cansino orchestrated a 17-6 blitz capped with a pair of free throws to give the Cubs a 53-37 lead with 5:08 remaining.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata relax lang kasi binigay namin 22 attempted layups sa first quarter. Na-regoup namin and sabi ko ‘start muna tayo sa defense (tsaka) darating ang shots,'” UST head coach Chris Cantonjos said.
UST scored 25 points off the Junior Maroons’ 30 turnovers. The Tiger Cub bench outscored UP’s, 48-16.
Cansino had 28 points, 11 rebounds and three steals while Palencia chalked up 23 markers and nine boards.
Matt Santiago had a double-double effort for UP with 15 points and 13 boards.
The Tiger Cubs will take on the Adamson University Baby Falcons on Nov. 18, Saturday, 9 a.m., at the same venue.
