Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The UST Growling Tigers put in a strong fourth quarter performance to beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles 68-58 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Saturday (September 26) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Kevin Ferrer paced the Tigers with 27 points and nine rebounds.
The game seemed over early on with the Blue Eagles leading by as much as 16 in the third quarter and entering the final period with a 52-42 lead.
But then UST went on a monumental 32-6 run that would nullify Ateneo’s advantage.
According to UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz, it was their defense and Ferrer’s leadership that sparked the run.
‘ ‘9’: ‘contentWidth’: ‘100%’ ’embedCode’: ‘
UST fans find their voice after a BIG Kevin Ferrer triple! 57-54 to Ateneo with 4:36 left in the fourth #UA… https://t.co/aYxEHA5ku7
— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) September 26, 2015
‘
“First three quarters medyo flat kami on defense,” said Dela Cruz. “With Kevin Ferrer as a leader, na-lead niya yung team, kinausap niya then nag-respond lahat.”
Ferrer proved to be a key figure for the Tigers, leveling the scores at 57 — all with a three point bomb and helping his side outscore Ateneo 26-6 in the final quarter.
The Blue Eagles had no answers against the Tigers, losing out 68-58.
Von Pessumal led the Eagles with 19 markers, while Kiefer Ravena chipped in with 13.
