Growling Tigers revoke Tamaraws’ win streak

UST Growling Tiger Karim Abdul. Pen Lazarte

By Ric Arlos

QUEZON CITY—Both with 1-0 record, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers repeals FEU Tamaraw’s bid for second as they defeated the latter, 72-71, in another tight and exciting game of UAAP Season 78 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Fifth-year vet Ed Daquioag led the Tigers’ win, contributing a total of 18 points with five rebounds and two assists, helping them attain a 2-0 ranking.

Meanwhile, another UST senior, Kevin Ferrer, assisted Daquioag in clinching the ball game, garnering a total of 13 points with eight rebounds and one assist.

Earlier in the first half, the Espana residents maintains their lead, closing it in a 17-14 run on the first quarter and garnishing it further with a 6-point margin, making it 34-28 on the second quarter.

The Tamaraws rebounded back on the third quarter, as they took the lead for the first time, finishing the quarter with a 54-58 scoring.

Tight and off the wire gaming took place on the fourth quarter as both Growling Tigers and the Tamaraws exchanged fires back and forth. Back-to-back baskets from Daquioag on the 2:46 mark helped the Tigers regain the lead, making it 70-67, while Tamaraw’s Russel Escoto tried to hit a jumper that slashed the Tiger’s lead to 72-71.

Asked for a look-up on their next game against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz said: “Hindi kami matutulog against UP… together with the players, kailangan namin mag puyat.”

Box Scores:

UST 72-Daquioag 18, Ferrer 13, Abdul 12, Bonleon 9, Sheriff 7, Vigil 6, Lao 4, Lee 3, Faundo 0, Huang 0

FEU 71-Belo 17, Pogoy 13, Jose 12, Ru. Escoto 9, Tolomia 8, Dennison 5, Arong 4, Inigo 3, Ri. Escoto 0, Orizu 0, Tamsi 0, Trinidad 0

Quarterscores: 17-14, 34-28, 54-71, 72-71