Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Three games into the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season, Ed Daquioag has established himself as the main weapon of the UST Growling Tigers.
His offensive repertoire was on full display again on Sunday (September 13) as he unloaded 27 points to lift UST past the UP Fighting Maroons, 67-59, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In fact, Daquioag topscored for the team in all those games to lead the Tigers to a 3-0 start for a solo lead in the tournament.
“Last year pa lang alam ko na na si Ed ang isa sa mga magdadala ng team,” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz of his prized guard.
Daquioag is aware of his major role for the team that has been written off following a horrendous showing in Season 77.
“Mataas na kumpyansa ko kasi alam kong isa na ako sa mga leaders ng team at kailangan kong mag-set ng example,” said Daquioag.
Actually, the UST fans, who were part of the 11,705 crowd on Sunday, know that as well.
When Daquioag went to the line for two bonus shots with two minutes left, the UST crowd went berserk and began the “M-V-P” chants.
“Titignan natin, pero maaga pa para diyan,” said the fifth-year guard.
But he didn’t carry the Tigers alone. He got plenty of help from the other leader of the team, Kevin Ferrer, who finished with 16 points.
Meanwhile, Diego Dario paced UP with 15 points while Paul Desiderio chipped in with 12.
