By Jade Moya
QUEZON CITY-—The UST Growling Tigers copped the season-opening game of the UAAP after escaping the UE Red Warriors' fourth quarter surge and win, 95-82, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigers led by as much as 23 points in the third quarter.
However, the Red Warriors were able to lessen the Tigers' lead with a 14-5 burst led by Alex Diakhite and Harvey Pagsanjan to cut the lead to 14, 88-74.
The last minute comeback was not enough for the Recto-based squad as UST rookie Mark Nonoy shot a 3-point dagger to keep the Tigers afloat.
UST rookie Rhenz Abando led the pack with 22 points - 15 from rainbow country - 4 rebounds and 2 steals, while Soulemane Chabi-Yo rocked a double double in his first UAAP game with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Rey Suerte and Alex Diakhite top scored for UE with 23 points and 8 rebounds; and 20 points and 21 rebounds respectively.
UST will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE will go up against the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
UST 95 -- Abando 22, Chabi Yo 19, Paraiso 10, Concepcion 10, Cansino 9, Subido 5, Cuajao 5, Cosejo 5, Ando 4, Nonoy 3, Huang 3, Pangilinan 0, Bataller 0.
UE 82 -- Suerte 23, Diakhite 20, Pagsanjan 15, Mendoza 10, Tolentino 6, Abanto 5, Manalang 3, Apacible 0, Antiporda 0, Sawat 0, Conner 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 51-39, 69-52, 95-82.
The Scores:
UST 95 -- Abando 22, Chabi Yo 19, Paraiso 10, Concepcion 10, Cansino 9, Subido 5, Cuajao 5, Cosejo 5, Ando 4, Nonoy 3, Huang 3, Pangilinan 0, Bataller 0.
UE 82 -- Suerte 23, Diakhite 20, Pagsanjan 15, Mendoza 10, Tolentino 6, Abanto 5, Manalang 3, Apacible 0, Antiporda 0, Sawat 0, Conner 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 51-39, 69-52, 95-82.
Follow her on Twitter: @jademoyaa
.JPG)
.jpg)
