The UST Growling Tigers boosted their confidence ahead of UAAP Season 89 after overpowering the CEU Scorpions, 80-61, to win the Pinoyliga – The Big Dance championship on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the FilOil Arena.
The Tigers went unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing their second offseason title in three finals appearances.
“Stepping stone ito sa kumpyansa ng mga players and coaches natin, deserve nila ito dahil sa pinakita nila tonight,” UST assistant coach Peter Martin told the Varsitarian.
UST carried a 37-34 advantage into halftime before pulling away in the second half with a 44-26 scoring surge to secure the championship.
The Tigers’ defense forced CEU into 21 turnovers, while the Scorpions managed just 15 assists compared with UST’s 12 turnovers and 22 assists.
Collins Akowe, who was named Most Outstanding Player, paced UST with 17 points, six rebounds and four blocks. Amiel Acido added 15 points, while Mark Llemit finished with 13.
The two teams traded baskets early, resulting in 14 lead changes throughout the game. Landyn Jumawan’s 3-pointer put the Growling Tigers ahead, 20-18, at the end of the opening quarter.
CEU seized control with 3:17 left in the second quarter as Stanley Gicoso converted back-to-back layups to give the Scorpions a 30-26 lead. UST responded with a 6-0 closing run to regain the advantage, 37-34, at halftime.
Precious Momowei opened the third quarter with a layup to pull CEU within one at 37-36, but four straight jumpers from Llemit and Kirk Canete sparked a 13-2 UST run that stretched the lead to 53-43. The Tigers dominated the period, outscoring CEU, 23-12, to take a 60-46 cushion into the final frame.
UST carried its momentum into the fourth quarter with a 15-9 run, capped by Akowe’s breakaway slam that pushed the lead to 75-55. Kris Porter then knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers as the Tigers pulled further away for the 80-61 victory.
Jumawan and Llemit were also named to the Mythical Team.
Gicoso led CEU with 13 points.
The Tigers will open their Season 89 campaign against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sept. 13, followed by a matchup with the De La Salle University Green Archers on Sept. 16 and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sept. 30. Charles Martin A. Manalang
