UST ends nearly decade-long skid vs La Salle behind Cabañero, Akowe

Nic Cabanero and Collins Akowe powered the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to a 93-84 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win ended the Growling Tigers’ 17-game losing streak against the Green Archers, with their last victory dating back to October 11, 2015, in an 81–79 thriller.

La Salle was leading 70-59 with less than five minutes left in the third period before UST ignited an 11-0 run to even the game. EJ Gollena stopped the run, followed by free throws from Earl Abadam that gave La Salle a 74-70 lead. Cabañero then closed the frame with a basket to bring UST closer at 74-72.

UST continued its momentum in the fourth quarter, outscoring La Salle 21-10 to claim the victory.

Cabanero led the España-based squad with 27 points, while rookie big man Akowe delivered a monster double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds. Amiel Acido also contributed 13 points, helping UST improve to 2–0 after back-to-back wins over last season’s finalists, including their opening day upset of UP.

Jacob Cortez paced La Salle with 17 points, while Earl Abadam added 11.

With the win, UST improved to 2–0, while La Salle dropped to 1–1.

Scores:

UST 93 -- Cabanero 27, Akowe 20, Acido 13, Padrigao 12, Paranada 9, Crisostomo 5, Llemit 3, Danting 2, Laure 2, Calum 0, Bucsit 0, Estacio 0.

LA SALLE 84 -- Cortez 17, Abadam 11, Baclaan 9, Amos 9, Marasigan 9, Phillips 8, Dungo 6, Pablo 4, Gollena 4, Gomez 4, Daep 3, Nwankwo 0.

Quarters: 22-27, 45-49, 72-74, 93-84.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News