Growling Tigers suffer defeat versus Blue Eagles

by Gillian Patricia Geronimo

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers ran out of gas against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 83–102, in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday.

The España-based squad tried to scare Ateneo in the late third period after being down by 15 points, 55–70, unleashing a 15–5 run from the transition, 70–75.

Ateneo proved to be too much for the Tigers, as they created their own 17–6 surge in the payoff quarter after only leading by single-digits, 77–85, finally sealing the deal which included an empathic throwdown by Thirdy Ravena in 2:18 remaining on the clock, 83–102.

“The defense works. Nagwork, kaya lang nagwork rin sila,” UST head coach Boy Sablan said.

UST’s Jeepy Faundo followed after Christian Garcia’s tie basket during the second quarter, gaining UST’s first and only lead for the entire game, 35–33.

Oliver De Guzman led UST with career-high 19 points while Jordan Sta. Ana and Steve Akomo both chipped in 12 markers.

Thirdy Ravena and Matt Nieto powered Ateneo with game-high 20 points and 19 points, respectively.

UST falls to a devastating 0–13 hole while Ateneo remains unbeaten with an immaculate 12–0 record.

The Growling Tigers will try to secure their first win on their last game against the University of the East Red Warriors on November 12, Sunday, at the same venue.

“We want to win that final game. We will prepare for it,” Sablan ended.

Box Scores:

UST 83 – De Guzman 19, Sta. Ana 12, Akomo 12, Faundo 11, Basibas 11, Garcia 8, Caunan 6, Lee 4, Macasaet 0, Escalambre 0, Soriano 0, Lorenzana 0, Romero 0, Kwawukumey 0.

ADMU 102 – Ravena 20, Nieto 19, Mamuyac 8, Go 7, Nieto 7, Tio 7, Mallillin 7, Verano 6, Asistio 6, Black 6, Ikeh 5, Tolentino 4, Porter 0, Andrade 0, White 0.

Quarter Scores: 20–26, 39–49, 70–75, 83–102.