The UST Growling Tigers secured their first victory in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after fending off the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 83-75, on Saturday, June 6, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Fresh off an undefeated championship run in the Asiabasket NSAC College Basketball Tour, UST improved to 1-2 in the preseason tournament, while FEU remained winless at 0-2.
Gelo Crisostomo led the Tigers with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Amiel Acido chipped in 20 points and six rebounds.
“[Kahit] na humabol ang FEU, it shows our composure and maturity kasi sa previous games namin dito sa tournament, doon kami nagkukulang sa dulo,” UST assistant coach Japs Cuan said. “We’re here to gain experience and improve the maturity of our players.”
The two teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter before Mark Llemit knocked down a pair of free throws to give UST a slim 21-18 advantage at the end of the period.
The Tigers stretched their lead to six, 28-22, early in the second quarter, but FEU responded with a 14-5 run capped by a Kirby Mongcopa triple to grab a 36-33 lead.
UST recovered as Acido delivered timely baskets to help the Tigers regain control and carry a 44-41 lead into halftime.
The back-and-forth affair continued in the third quarter before UST erupted for an 11-2 run, punctuated by a Collins Akowe layup, to build a 62-53 cushion.
FEU stayed within striking distance, but a floater from Kirk Cañete helped the Tigers maintain an eight-point lead, 64-56, heading into the final period.
The Tamaraws opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 burst to trim the deficit to just one, 64-63. UST, however, answered with a decisive 13-2 run highlighted by another Akowe layup, restoring a double-digit lead at 77-65.
FEU mounted one final push, but Akowe converted crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the Tigers’ first win of the tournament, 83-75.
Mongcopa paced the Tamaraws with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while VJ Wilhalm added 17 points and 6 rebounds.
UST will look to build on its momentum when it takes on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Tuesday, June 9, at the same venue.
