The UST Growling Tigers booked a spot in the Asiabasket NSAC World Invitational championship game after outlasting the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 97-92, in double overtime Saturday, Aug. 15, at the PhilSports Arena.
Despite allowing JRU to convert 26 points off turnovers, UST’s advantage inside proved crucial as the Tigers poured in 40 points in the paint.
Collins Akowe led UST with 33 points and 22 rebounds, while Amiel Acido contributed 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Landyn Jumawan, playing in just his second game for the Tigers, added 15 points.
“I just stayed composed [and] played within the system…. thanks to my team for that,” Akowe told the Varsitarian.
UST’s early miscues allowed the Heavy Bombers to jump to an 11-5 lead in the opening quarter. Ice Danting’s 3-pointer trimmed the deficit to one, 17-16, by the end of the frame.
The Tigers moved ahead early in the second quarter after Mark Llemit converted a layup for a 24-22 lead, but JRU answered with a 12-0 run to seize a 34-24 advantage.
Akowe’s timely baskets helped UST cut the deficit to three, 40-37, but JRU kept a six-point lead at halftime, 44-38.
JRU stretched its advantage to 49-38 early in the third quarter after a Chris Hubilla triple, only for UST to respond with an 11-0 run capped by an Akowe slam that tied the game at 49-all. The teams then traded baskets to end the frame knotted at 62.
UST held a slim 67-65 lead in the fourth before Hubilla’s free throws sparked a 13-0 JRU run that put the Heavy Bombers ahead, 78-67.
Akowe’s free throws kept the Tigers within reach before Acido knocked down a triple with under two minutes left to make it 78-76.
Llemit and Kirk Cañete then sank back-to-back free throws with less than 22 seconds remaining to pull UST even at 78-all. JRU had possession for the final play but missed a potential game-winner, sending the contest to overtime.
The Bombers controlled most of the first overtime before Akowe’s dunk and ensuing free throw tied the game at 83-all. JRU again had the ball with under 27 seconds left but failed to convert another potential winner, forcing a second overtime.
The Tigers took control early in the second overtime, using free throws to build a 91-84 lead. JRU answered with four straight points, but UST sealed the win through consecutive baskets from Cañete and Akowe.
Mangubat paced JRU with 26 points and nine rebounds.
The Tigers will face either the San Beda Red Lions or Nagoya Fighting Eagles in the championship game Sunday, Aug. 16, at the same venue. Jay-z V. Perez
