Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The UST Growling Tigers banked on veterans Ed Daquioag and Kevin Ferrer to survive the Adamson Falcons, 70-64, and jumpstart their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 campaign at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Saturday (September 5).
Daquioag and Ferrer took matters into their own hands and sizzled with 28 and 24 points, respectively.
“They played great today as expected,” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz of his two prized cagers.
“Pinakita nila today na kaya nila i-lead ng maayos yung team.”
As the team captain, Ferrer felt the need to step up big time.
“Iniisip ko last year ko na ‘to. Lahat gagawin ko talaga,” the lanky forward said.
“All-out na kaming mga beterano. Kelangan mag-set din kami ng good example.”
Behind the sweet-shooting Ferrer, UST rolled on to a scintillating start, 22-5.
But the Falcons got their bearings going in the second quarter and turned the catch-up game into a nip-and-tuck contest.
Daquioag put the finishing touches in the final period, sinking a bank shot to put the Tigers on top for good before Louie Vigil sealed the win with three of four free throws.
“Hindi ko inasahan na ganito magiging laro ko. Basta ang gusto ko lang maipakita ang best ko at naging OK naman ang resulta,” Daquioag said.
