Daquioag's big fourth quarter helps UST in win against UE

Ed Daquioag delivered again for the Tigers, pouring in 34 points, 12 of which coming in the payoff period. Pen Lazarte/Dugout Philippines

By JP Marquez

QUEZON CITY--The University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers ended the first round of the UAAP Season 78 with a big win over the University of the East Red Warriors, 83-76, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Ed Daquioag was the hero for the Tigers with 34 points, 12 coming in the last quarter, together with six dimes.

Early in the opening period, UST established a 12-6 advantage. UE came with a little run, but UST easily countered the mini-rally and opened a 26-12 lead after the quarter.

UE had a 6-0 run early in the second, but Karim Abdul muscles his way to get a bucket to momentarily stop the run.

Chris Javier and Nick Abanto led UE's third quarter rally as the team managed to trim the lead to 56-60 at the end of the quarter.

Daquioag came up with a huge rally as he went by his lonesome in producing the points for UST to battle the rally of UE.

With under two minutes left Renz Palma sank a basket to cut the lead to 71-73. UE had a chance to get the lead as Daquioag lost the ball, but the team failed to capitalize, eventually leading to an endgame meltdown as UST held on.

UST coach Bong Dela Cruz said that they played team defense to the entire UE squad.

Dela Cruz said, "Team defense ang pinag-aralan namin these past few weeks."

UST ended the first round with 6-1 record. They only lost to NU, but Daquioag said that it was a wake up call to them.

"Kung di kami natalo sa NU, hindi kami ganito. Pampagising sa amin yun," he emphasized.

Kevin Ferrer and Louie Vigil both contributed with 14 points for UST, while Paul Varilla led UE with 25 points.

UE now has a 2-5 record entering the second round.

Box Scores:

UST 83-Daquioag 34, Ferrer 14, Vigil 14, Abdul 9, Sheriff 5, Lee 5, Lao 2, Bonleon 0, Subido 0, Faundo 0, Abdurasad 0, Caunan 0, Garrido 0.

UE 76-Varilla 25, Javier 12, Palma 8, De Leon 8, Charcos 5, Batiller 5, Sta Ana 4, Abanto 3, Manalang 2, Derige 2, Gagate 2, Gonzales 0, Penuela 0, Yu 0.

Quarterscores: 26-12, 44-33, 60-56-83-76

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