THE UST Tiger Cubs claimed their sixth straight win after taking down the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws, 80-72, to end the first round of the UAAP Season 87 boys’ high school basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Sunday, Feb. 9.
The Tiger Cubs finished the opening round in solo second with a 6-1 record, with their only loss coming against the NUNS Bullpups in their season opener.
“To be honest, ito ‘yong goal namin, ‘yong mapunta sa top two sa first round,” UST head coach Manu Inigo said.
“Again, back to square one kami sa second round. We will try to maintain (the standing) or baka makuha ‘yong top seed, mas maganda.”
UST dominated right from the tipoff, limiting the Baby Tamaraws to nine points in the first quarter before building an 18-point cushion at halftime, 42-24.
FEU pulled to within 12 after a 10-4 start in the second half, 46-34, but the Tiger Cubs responded with six unanswered points to regain control, 52-34.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Baby Tamaraws jumped to a 12-2 run to cut their deficit to nine, 67-58.
UST then fended off the late rally with timely baskets from Racine Kane and Charles Manding off Joaquin Ludovice’s assists, sealing the win for the Tiger Cubs.
“Medyo napagalitan ko nga ‘yong players kasi noong medyo malaki na ‘yong lamang, gusto na naman nila mag-takeover sa game. Nawala na naman ‘yong discipline sa offense,” Iñigo said.
“Learning process ito sa amin. At least, kapag nakita nila na ganoon ‘yong ginawa nila, anyone could come back.”
Kane led the way for the Tiger Cubs with 23 points on an efficient 10-for-14 shooting from the field on top of 11 rebounds and two blocks. This was Kane’s sixth straight double-double performance of the season.
Manding added 17 points to fill the void left by Ludovice, who struggled offensively, managing only point but dishing out a game-high nine assists and three steals.
Cabs Cabonilas and Marc Burgos topped FEU with 16 points apiece as the Baby Tamaraws fell to the third spot with a 5-2 record.
The UAAP has yet to announce the schedule for the second round.
