The UST Growling Tigers gained their first win after defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 21-15, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s 3×3 basketball opener at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Thursday, May 2.
The Tigers, who finished fourth in last season’s 3×3 tilt, ended the day with 41 points built on a 1-1 win-loss card for third place. UP (39 points), NU (38 points), and FEU (29 points) also hold 1-1 records.
After an Andre Tan triple that gave Ateneo a two-point lead, 13-11, second-stringer Kendall Valentin scored three points in UST’s 6-0 run to take a four-point advantage, 17-13.
The Tigers took advantage of their size as rookie big man Angelo Crisostomo made three layups that sealed the win for UST, 21-15.
UST dropped its first game of the day after faltering late to the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 21-20.
Adamson opened the match with a 12-7 start, but Tigers co-captain Nic Cabañero and Crisostomo combined for five straight points to tie, 12-all.
With UST down by two, 15-17, Cabañero scored back-to-back two-pointers and a free throw to put the Tigers one point away from the win, 20-17.
However, Adamson gave the Tigers its first loss after two straight triples by Ray Allen Torres, 21-20.
In the juniors’ division, the UST Tiger Cubs swept the first day of UAAP 3×3 play after defeating the UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons and the NUNS Bullpups.
Down by five early, 6-1, JB Lim and Charles Bucsit connived for a 12-1 blast of the Bullpups to take a seven-point lead, 13-7.
A Bucsit triple and a short stab by Lim completed UST’s stunning win over NUNS, 21-10.
In their first game, the Tiger Cubs made quick work of UPIS, 19-13.
The UST Growling Tigers will next face the defending champions DLSU Green Archers and the UE Red Warriors at the same venue tomorrow, May 3.
Meanwhile, the UST Tiger Cubs will go against the UE Junior Red Warriors and reigning champions FEU-D Baby Tamaraws at the same date and venue.
