THE UST Growling Tigers trounced Nagoya Gakuin University, 88-75, to open their Pinoyliga Global Cup Invitationals campaign at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Tuesday, March 25.
The Tigers used a 45-27 first half to build a comfortable lead heading into the second half, enough to contain Nagoya’s fourth-quarter surge.
UST assistant coach Japs Cuan said the Tigers have been employing a new system, which still needs fine-tuning.
“It’s too early to tell. We are still trying to [learn] the new system kasi may new players tayo,“ Cuan told the Varsitarian. “Konting polish pa from our [team].”
UST set the tone early with an 8-2 burst, capped by Nic Cabañero’s step-back jumper and free throw, ending the opening quarter up 24-17.
The Tigers extended their 26-17 lead to a 16-point advantage midway through the second frame with a 10-3 run, fueled by six points from Gelo Crisostomo, to stay ahead 36-20.
Nagoya tried to stay within striking distance but only managed to trim the deficit to 13 by halftime, 45-32.
The Tigers came out firing in the third quarter, launching a 19-7 run capped by an Amiel Acido basket, burying the visitors in a 66-39 hole before the end of the frame.
Nagoya outscored UST 26-18 in the payoff period, but it was too late to mount a comeback as the Tigers secured the 88-75 victory.
Kyle Paranada paced UST with 14 points, three assists, and two steals, while Crisostomo contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals. New recruits Galman and Michael Mara added nine and seven points, respectively.
Nagoya’s Raiki Takagi led all scorers in the game with 25 points.
The Growling Tigers will next face the UE Red Warriors at the same venue on Wednesday, March 26, at 9:30 a.m. Joaquin Edgardo A. Cortez
