UAAP: UST beats UE to end four-game skid

The University of Santo Tomas defeated the University of the East, 109-97, to snap its four-game losing skid in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Growling Tigers, who improved to 6-5, while the Red Warriors remained winless at 0-12 this season.

UST led by as many as 27 points, 82-55, at the 3:01 mark of the third quarter before the Recto-based squad mounted a rally, trimming the deficit to nine, 92-83, with under five minutes left. However, UST responded with an 8-0 run sparked by an Amiel Acido basket and back-to-back triples from Mark Llemit to regain control.

UE then countered with a 10-2 spurt to inch closer again, 102-93, with 2:15 remaining, but back-to-back baskets from Cabañero extended UST’s lead to 106-93 with 1:31 left, sealing the win.

Cabañero led UST with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Collins Akowe tallied a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds, along with an assist and a block, to power the España-based squad.

“Credit to our players who stuck together through adversity. Even when things were difficult, they continued to believe in each other,” said UST assistant coach Japs Cuan.

Wello Lingolingo paced UE with 18 points, while Dylan Despi and Precious Momowei chipped in 17 points apiece, with Momowei adding 12 rebounds. Jhon Jimenez also scored 15 points for the Red Warriors in the losing effort.

Scores:

UST 109 – Cabañero 19, Akowe 16, Crisostomo 14, Padrigao 11, Acido 10, Paranada 7, Llemit 6, Estacio 5, Buenaflor 5, Calum 4, Manding 3, Bangco 2, Laure 2, Bucsit 0.

UE 97 – Lingolingo 18, Despi 17, Momowei 17, Jimenez 15, Lagat 13, Cruz-Dumont 9, Datumalim 7, Distrito 1, Tañedo 0, Mulingtapang 0, Malaga 0, Robles 0.

Quarters: 33-16, 57-41, 87-67, 109-97.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News