The UST Growling Tigers hold a 3-3 record and aim to finish Round 1 of UAAP Season 87 strong against the FEU Tamaraws.
The UST Growling Tigers will look to bounce back as they take on the FEU Tamaraws in a crucial UAAP Season 87 Round 1 eliminations matchup on October 5 at 4:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tied in fourth place with the Adamson Soaring Falcons for a 3-3 record, UST is eager to climb the standings, and Mo Tounkara will be the focal point of their attack as they look to improve their Final Four hopes.
Tounkara has been a standout for UST this season, currently ranked fourth in the league in scoring with an average of 12.83 points.
In last Wednesday's 80-71 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons, Tounkara was the Growling Tigers’ top performer, leading the way with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting from the field. He also contributed five rebounds and an assist.
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UST’s last game was a tale of two halves. The Tigers shot 55% from the field in the first three quarters against UP, but they struggled in the fourth quarter, hitting only 2-of-13 shots.
Tounkara is expected to have strong support from Nic Cabanero, who added 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the loss to UP.
Cabanero’s all-around play will be critical, as well as the shooting of Forthsky Padrigao, who ranks third in the league in three-point field goals made and leads in assists with 6.5 per game.
In Season 86, UST only had two wins--both at the expense of FEU.
Can the Growling Tigers repeat this feat vs FEU, bounce back from their recent loss, and stay in the hunt for a Final Four berth?
All eyes will be on Tounkara and the Tigers as they clash with the FEU Tamaraws at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]