WITH an exceptional display of firepower and stingy defense, the UST Growling Tigers dismantled the winless Ateneo Team B, cruising to a 101-80 victory in the 9th Fr. Martin’s Cup Basketball Invitational Tournament last May 18 at the San Beda College Gymnasium.
The Tigers, who were coming off a loss to the San Sebastian Stags, dictated the tempo early as they scored the first nine points of the game, including seven from veteran skipper Derrick Hubalde, to jumpstart an 18-6 salvo in the first six minutes of the game. The blitz took away the fight early from the Loyola-based squad. Hubalde led the Tigers’ attack, scoring a game-high 18 points, including four conversions from beyond the arc.
Warren de Guzman picked up the scoring in the second quarter, exploding for 10 of his 16 points to help build a commanding 54-36 first half lead.
The Eagles showed signs of life at the start of the second half, opening with a quick six-0 run. But hopes of a monumental comeback were foiled for good as the Tigers tightened their defense resulting in 11 unanswered points highlighted by two three pointers from swingman Jemal Vizcarra that led to UST’s biggest advantage at 65-42 with over six minutes left in the third.
The lopsided game gave the rookies a lot of playing time and exposure. Neophytes Jun Dizon and former Tiger Cub and University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Juniors MVP Jun Cortez scored eight and seven points, respectively.
The victory gave the Tigers a 2-1 win-loss record and kept them within striking distance of group leaders University of the East Red Warriors (3-0) and the San Sebastian Stags (3-1) in group C.
