UAAP: UST hands Ateneo third straight loss, defends home court

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) handed Ateneo de Manila University its third straight loss, 80-68, while defending its home court on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

After holding a slim 34-32 lead at halftime, the Growling Tigers opened the second half with a 15-0 run to pull away. UST also limited Ateneo to just 10 points in the third quarter.

The Blue Eagles attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, but UST held firm to secure the victory.

Collins Akowe led the Growling Tigers with 18 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks, and two assists, while Amiel Acido added 15 points, including three three-pointers, along with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Mark Llemit also chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Kieffer Alas paced the Blue Eagles with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while Andrew Bongo contributed 13 points, six rebounds, a block, and a steal.

UST closed out the first round with a 4-3 record, while Ateneo fell to 3-4.

Scores:

UST 80 — Akowe 18, Acido 15, Llemit 15, Buenaflor 11, Cañete 6, Jumawan 6, Esteban 4, Chio 3, Manding 1, Bucsit 1, Danting 0, Porter 0, Sevilla 0, Alao 0.

Ateneo 68 — Alas 18, Bongo 13, Espinosa 7, Tuano 7, Roberts 7, Asoro 5, Baruwa 4, Kapihe 4, Bahay 3, Leal 0, Cainglet 0, Rogers 0.

Quarterscores: 18-19, 34-32, 63-42, 80-68.

—JKC, GMA News