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UST Growling Tiger Karim Abdul. Pen Lazarte
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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