Rookie Collins Akowe drops 29 as UST stuns UP in title defense opener

Rookie Collins Akowe exploded for 29 points and 17 rebounds to lead the University of Santo Tomas past defending champion University of the Philippines, 87-67, on Sunday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

UST started strong, outscoring the Fighting Maroons 31-19 in the opening quarter, and went into halftime with a 57-43 lead.

From there, the Growling Tigers continued to dominate, building their biggest lead at 85-60 with about two minutes remaining before sealing the win.

Aside from Akowe, Kyle Paranada added 18 points for the host team.

Mark Belmonte, meanwhile, led the Diliman-based squad with 12 points, while Jacob Bayla chipped in 11.

Scores:

UST 87 – Akowe 29, Paranada 18, Cabañero 9, Crisostomo 8, Buenaflor 7, Calum 4, Llemit 3, Estacio 3, Acido 2, Laure 2, Sevilla 2, Bangco 0, Manding 0, Bucsit 0, Danting 0.

UP 67 – Belmonte 12, Alarcon 11, Bayla 11, Bayla 6, Torres 6, Nnoruka 5, Fortea 4, Felicilda 4, Abadiano 2, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 2, Stevens 0.

Quarters: 31-19, 57-43, 70-57, 87-67.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News