THE NEW-LOOK UST Growling Tigers dropped their 17th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup opener against the DLSU Green Archers, 68-61, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday, May 17.
DLSU demonstrated its depth with its bench outscoring UST’s reserves, 33-15.
The Green Archers ended the half leading 41-35, despite the Tigers outscoring them 19-18 in the second quarter.
Ice Danting contributed eight of his nine points in the third quarter, sparking a 15-6 run that gave the Tigers a 50-47 lead at the end of the period.
However, DLSU responded with a 21-7 run in the fourth quarter, highlighted by two free throws from CJ Austria with three minutes remaining in regulation.
DLSU outrebounded UST, 59-47.
UST co-captain Nic Cabañero paced the Tigers with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
New Tiger Forthsky Padrigao struggled, shooting 3-of-14 from the field for nine points to go along with six boards and three dimes, while import Hinda Tounkura contributed eight points and nine rebounds.
“Marami pa talaga kaming lapses at marami pang kailangan pagtrabahuhan, but nonetheless, lumaban naman ‘yong team,” Padrigao said. “Pero hindi kasi ako yung tipong masaya pag lumaban lang, gusto ko talaga manalo.”
UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers with 13 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and a block, while Henry Agunanne had a double-double of 12 markers and 16 boards.
UST will next face the UP Fighting Maroons at the same venue on Monday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
The FilOil league is the second preseason tournament in which the Tigers have competed, following the recently concluded PinoyLiga.
