Growling Tigers falter against UE

by Gillian Patricia Geronimo and Darryl Lance Limpin

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers took a drubbing at the hands of the University of the East Red Warriors, 91–96, in the UAAP 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.

UST kept the fight close but Alvin Pasaol made sure that UE stayed ahead until the last minute, securing a victory for the Warriors, 91–96.

“Kailangan pa rin mag-improve sa turnovers at freethrows. Hindi ko pwedeng sisihin yung players kasi they are doing their job,” UST head coach Boy Sablan said.

“The only problem is yung maturity nung mga bata,” he added.

UST is still winless in seven outings, their worst since the introduction of final four in 1994.

Pasaol and Philip Manalang led UE with 32 and 20 points, respectively.

UST’s Marvin Lee scored 20 points while Akomo contributed a double-double of 19 markers and 18 rebounds.

Round two of eliminations will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Box Scores

UST 91 — Lee 20, Akomo 19, Sta. Ana 13, Faundo 12, Caunan 10, De Guzman 4, Lorenzana 3, Romero 2, Huang 2, Escalambre 2, Garcia 2, Soriano 2, Kwawukumey 0, Macasaet 0

UE 96 — Pasaol 32, Manalang 20, Varilla 15, Olayon 15, Bartolome 5, Acuno 4, Conner 2, Abanto 2, Maloles 1, Cullar 0, Derige 0

Quarter Scores: 20–27, 43–54, 71–75, 91–96