The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers pulled away in the second half to defeat the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions, 81-60, and capture the Pinoyliga The Big Dance championship on Thursday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Growling Tigers broke the game open after a tight first half, outscoring the Scorpions, 44-26, in the final two quarters to turn the contest into a rout.
Collins Akowe anchored the Growling Tigers with an all-around performance of 17 points, six rebounds, four blocks, two steals and an assist, earning Player of the Game honors.
Amiel Acido contributed 15 points, while Mark Llemit added 13 and Kristian Porter finished with 10 for the Growling Tigers.
The Growling Tigers held a slim 37-34 lead at halftime before taking control in the third quarter, where they outscored the Scorpions, 23-12. UST then put the game away with a 21-14 advantage in the final period.
Stanley Gicoso paced CEU with 13 points, while Precious Momowei chipped in 11.
Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas secured the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup championship after edging the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 84-83.
Angelo Gelsano delivered a solid all-around effort for the Altas, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals to earn Player of the Game honors.
Jim Corpuz scored 13 points for Perpetual Help, while Ray Allen Maglupay added 12 in the narrow victory. (Adrian Co)
