University of Santo Tomas survived a late push from University of the East to secure a 98-87 victory on Wednesday and move into a four-way tie for the lead in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Mark Llemit led the Growling Tigers with 22 points, while Amiel Acido added 16. Collins Akowe contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, and Landyn Jumawan chipped in 13.
The victory gave UST its second consecutive win and improved its record to 2-1, joining National University, University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University at the top of the standings.
UST took a five-point advantage after the opening period before breaking the game open in the second quarter. The Growling Tigers outscored UE, 28-14, to enter halftime with a 52-33 cushion.
The Red Warriors refused to fold, mounting a fourth-quarter rally that brought them within six points.
Cole Cruz-Dumont scored on consecutive layups to cut UST’s lead to 83-77 with 6:06 remaining, giving UE a chance to complete the comeback.
UST responded, however, and kept the Red Warriors from getting any closer in the closing minutes.
UE was paced by Toper Lagat’s 22 points, while Mo Tanedo scored 16. Cruz-Dumont finished with 12 and Gene Carillo added 10.
The defeat dropped UE to 0-4 and extended its losing streak to 24 games dating back to Season 87. (Adrian Co)
