Metro Manila, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers made quick work of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 98-87, in Round 1 of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Growling Tigers’ explosive first half performance overwhelmed the Red Warriors and allowed them to sustain control of the entire match.
UST co-captain Mark Llemit led the scoring with 22 points, while senior Amiel Acido chipped in 16 markers.
Reigning Best Foreign Student-Athlete Collins Akowe produced another double-double output built on 14 points and 11 boards.
The Growling Tigers improved to a 2-1 win-loss slate, while the Red Warriors, who were playing without head coach Chris Gavina for the first time, slipped to a 0-4 record.
The España squad recovered quickly from a slow start after Acido provided spark off-the-bench and scored seven straight points to cap the opener, 24-19.
UST did not look back as Llemit took the reins and scored 12 points in the second quarter alone to bury the Red Warriors, 52-33.
Despite being outscored by UE in the third quarter, the Growling Tigers held their ground with a 14-point margin, 75-61.
With UE breathing down their necks, Llemit and Akowe drained the finishing baskets to clinch back-to-back victories.
Rookie Toper Lagat paced the Red Warriors in the loss with 22 points, while Mo Tañedo and Cole Cruz-Dumont added 16 and 12, respectively.
UST will look to keep momentum on their side as they go against the pesky Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Oct. 3 at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Meanwhile, UE will face a tougher challenge as they seek to end a 24-game skid against defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers on Oct. 4 at the same venue.
The scores:
UST (98) — Llemit 22, Acido 16, Akowe 14, Jumawan 13, Buenaflor 8, Chio 6, Cañete 5, Danting 4, Esteban 3, Manding 3, Porter 2, Bucsit 2
UE (87) — Lagat 22, Tañedo 16, Cruz-Dumont 12, Carillo 10, Robles 7, Edoukou 4, Santos 4, Jimenez 4, Sabroso 3, Vazquez 3, Mascariñas 2
Quarter scores: 24-19, 28-14, 23-28, 23-26
NewsWatch Plus intern Jade Bagas contributed to this report.
