The UST Growling Tigers opened their Asiabasket NSAC Invitational campaign on a winning note, crushing Japan-based Tenri University, 88-65, Friday, Aug. 14, at the PhilSports Arena.
The victory booked the Tigers a spot in the semifinals.
Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido led UST with 17 points apiece. The Tigers dominated the boards, 45-30, while also holding a 46-26 advantage in points in the paint.
“We just stayed composed and moved the ball, when I was open I just finished the play properly,” Akowe told the Varsitarian.
After taking a 19-12 lead, UST closed the opening quarter with an 8-0 run capped by an alley-oop from Ice Danting to make it 27-13.
The teams traded baskets early in the third quarter before UST unleashed an 11-4 run to stretch its advantage to 22 points, 51-29.
The Tigers ended the third frame on a 23-17 surge, with Carl Manding and Kristian Porter splitting free throws to give UST a 74-46 lead.
UST opened the second half with a 15-4 blitz to build its biggest lead at 66-33. A bonus free throw from Kris Porter pushed the advantage to 28 heading into the final frame, 74-46.
Tenri mounted a fourth-quarter fightback with a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to 76-58. Akowe and Acido, however, helped UST weather the late rally and close out the 88-65 victory.
“Sabi namin na we should focus on ourselves kasi ‘di naman alam ‘yong kalaban namin today, nakita namin ‘yong result no’ng camaraderie nila (Tigers),” said UST head coach Peter Martin.
Tenri’s Jerry Williams led all scorers with 23 points.
The Growling Tigers will face the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the semifinals on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the same venue. Charles Martin A. Manalang
