University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers secured a spot in the Pinoyliga Cup finals after defeating the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 76-68, in the Final Four on Monday night at the Blue Eagles Gym.
UST leaned on a strong fourth-quarter finish to pull away after the two teams battled closely through the first three periods.
The Growling Tigers held a 24-18 lead after the opening quarter before Ateneo cut the deficit to one at halftime, 43-42. The Blue Eagles then tied the score at 58-all heading into the final period.
UST, however, limited Ateneo to just 10 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 18 to complete the comeback-proof finish and book its place in the championship game.
Mark Llemit delivered an all-around performance for UST with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block to earn Player of the Game honors.
Collins Akowe paced the Growling Tigers with 21 points and six rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Kieffer Alas led Ateneo with 13 points, while Andrew Bongo contributed 10.
In the other Final Four matchup, Centro Escolar University Scorpions defeated Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 79-66, to claim the second finals berth.
Precious Momowei powered the Scorpions with 21 points and 12 rebounds as CEU pulled away from the Heavy Bombers to arrange a championship showdown with UST. (Adrian Co)
