UST outlasts Ateneo in triple OT thriller at Blue Eagle Gym

The University of Santo Tomas outlasted Ateneo de Manila University in a triple-overtime thriller, 98–89, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

The Growling Tigers held the Blue Eagles to just four points in the third extra period, while scoring 13 themselves, five of which came from Collins Akowe.

UST was leading 63-60 with less than four minutes left in regulation before the Blue Eagles mounted a 6-0 run, with back-to-back baskets from Dom Escobar followed by a jumper from Divine Adili, to take a 66-63 lead. However, Forthsky Padrigao knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game and eventually force overtime.

In the first extra period, Gelo Crisostomo opened the scoring for UST with a triple, but Jared Bahay answered with back-to-back threes to give Ateneo a 72–69 advantage. Padrigao once again delivered from beyond the arc to tie the game at 72. Crisostomo then put UST ahead with a basket at the 42-second mark, but Shawn Tuano responded to even the score once more. Nic Cabañero had a chance to seal the win but missed, sending the game into a second overtime.

Cabañero atoned for his earlier miss by opening the second OT with a triple, igniting a 6–1 run that gave UST an 80–75 lead with under three minutes left. Bahay responded with another three, but Crisostomo’s free throws, off a foul by Bahay, extended UST’s lead, 82-78. Ateneo then rallied with a 7–2 run to snatch an 85-84 lead, before Collins Akowe was fouled by Escobar. Akowe split his free throws, tying the game at 85. Cabañero once again had a chance to win it with a three-pointer, but missed, forcing a third overtime.

From there, it was all UST, as the Growling Tigers held off the Blue Eagles on their home court.

This triple OT match became only the first in UAAP men's basketball in the Final Four era.

Akowe finished with 20 points and 19 rebounds, while two other Tigers also posted double-doubles.

Cabañero tallied 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Crisostomo contributed 18 points and 17 boards.

Padrigao added 20 points in his return to his former campus.

Bahay led the Blue Eagles with 17 points, while Kymani Ladi chipped in 14.

With the win, UST improved to 4-1, while Ateneo absorbed its second straight loss after opening the season with four straight wins.

Scores:

UST 98 - Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Danting 0, Laure 0.

Ateneo 89 - Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2, Espina 0, Fjellvang 0.

Quarters: 20-28, 33-37, 55-53, 66-66, 74-74, 85-85, 98-89.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News