Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) – The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers clinched their first win in UAAP Season 84 in comeback fashion against the University of the East Red Warriors, 74-62, on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sherwin Concepcion finished with 25 points, highlighted by his two three-point shots that spearheaded UST’s remarkable 19-2 scoring run in the last half of the fourth quarter.
UE last held the lead in the 3:48 mark of the payoff period, 62-61, through a Clint Escamis jump shot.
The Growling Tigers made big offensive adjustments in the next possessions as they spread the floor to get opportunities for a basket either in the paint or beyond the arc.
Concepcion nailed back-to-back three point shots with under two minutes remaining in the game to suddenly widen their lead against the Red Warriors, who even led in the last two quarters.
The last sequence of plays was just frustrating for UE. Their shots just wouldn’t go in, as UST poured in the defensive pressure.
Nic Cabanero and Christian Manaytay, who also contributed in the big Tigers scoring rally in the fourth canto, chipped in 12 points each in their victory.
Bryan Santos also had a highlight game with a double-double effort of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while scrappy guard Joshua Fontanilla produced eight markers and eight assists for the big UST win.
The Red Warriors, who sit at the bottom of the team standings with a 0-3 slate, leaned on Aurin Catacutan with 17 points and Kris Pagsanjan with 10 markers.
The Scores:
UST 74 – Concepcion 25, Cabanero 12, Manaytay 12, Santos 10, Fontanilla 8, Yongco 3, Ando 2, M. Pangilinan 2, Manalang 0, Garing 0, Mantua 0, Samudio 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Canoy 0.
UE 62 – Catacutan 17, Pagsanjan 10, Escamis 9, Antiporda 7, Lorenzana 5, N. Paranada 4, Beltran 4, Guevarra 4, Sawat 2, K. Paranada 0, Tulabut 0, Je. Cruz 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 36-39, 50-53, 74-62
