The transitioning UST Growling Tigers saw their first big-stage action without Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao and fended off the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 83-82, to open the Pinoyliga Global Invitational Cup on Friday, Feb. 20, at the Adamson Gym.
UAAP Season 88 Best FSA Collins Akowe powered UST with 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Koji Buenaflor and Ammiel Acido had 21 and 15 points, respectively.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Tigers pulled ahead late in the second, 38-31, before the Heavy Bombers ended the first half on a 12-6 run to trim the deficit to one, 44-43.
Tied at 58-all in the third period, JRU went on a 6-0 rally to seize control, 64-58. But a Carl Manding triple and a Gelo Crisostomo short stab cut the lead to one, 64-63.
UST then went on a five-point run, building a 74-68 lead. The Heavy Bombers tied the game at 80-all before Ivan Panapanaan put JRU ahead, 82-80.
With under 30 seconds left, Acido knocked down a triple to put UST ahead en route to the victory.
Lawrence Mangubat led JRU with 23 points, while Chris Hubilla added 20.
New UST players Kris Porter, Kurt Laput and James Jumao-as saw limited minutes but went scoreless in the win.
The Tigers will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Enderun Gym.
