Blue Eagles blast UST

by Gillian Patricia Geronimo

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers took a shellacking at the hands of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 84–94, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

UST closed the end of the third quarter with Jordan Sta. Ana hitting two free throws to cut Ateneo’s lead down to five, 71–76 but Ateneo continually sank threes throughout the game to seal the match, 94–84.

“‘Yung improvement na ginawa namin from last year’s team [ay] napakalaki. Happy ako sa team ko kasi kahit ganon we are fighting ’til the end. Medyo kapos lang,” UST head coach Boy Sablan said, impressed at the Tigers for banking 22 points in five minutes.

“This year siguro naipakita namin kung ano kami ngayon. 5 losses, still we continue fighting. Even this one. This is the hardest game na we fought,” he added.

Matt Nieto paced Ateneo with 22 points while Go added 15 markers.

Marvin Lee and Sta. Ana led UST with 22 and 21 points, respectively.

UST is still winless in five outings while ADMU remains undefeated.

The Growling Tigers will next face the defending champions De La Salle Green Archers on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the same venue.

Box Scores

UST 84 — Lee 22, Sta. Ana 21, Romero 6, Faundo 6, Escalambre 6, Akomo 6, Huang 4, Basibas 4, Garcia 4, Soriano 3, De Guzman 2, Kwawukumey 0, Arana 0

ADMU 94 — Ma. Nieto 22, Go 13, Ravena 12, Mamuyac 8, Asistio 7, Ikeh 7, Mi. Nieto 6, Tolentino 5, Verano 4, Mallillin 3, Tio 3, Black 2, Mendoza 2, Porter 0

Quarter Scores
29–23, 26–20, 21–28, 18–13