After back-to-back losses, the UST Growling Tigers are back on the winning track midway through UAAP Season 87.
The UST Growling Tigers dug deep to snap a two-game losing streak and end the first round of UAAP Season 87 on a winning note, beating FEU, 83-72, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.
After discouraging losses at the hands of league leaders UP and La Salle heading into the game, UST regained their bearings in a convincing win over their Morayta rivals.
UST continued to pile on the offense late in the ball game to ensure they stave off the comeback this time, as Nic Cabañero and Mo Tounkara scored key baskets, including back-to-back makes from the latter to push the lead to eleven, 81-70, with 1:23 ticks remaining.
This composure in the endgame was brought about the team’s willingness to work together when it mattered the most.
“I think it’s a big win for us kasi coming from a two-game losing streak, and yung response ng team to stop the losing streak [was good]. As in, sama-sama lang sila kanina and nagfocus kami sa defense,” said Cuan.
[RELATED: UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao posts double-double vs FEU to lead UST in fourth Season 87 win]
The Growling Tigers arrive at the midway point of the season with a winning record, 4-3. The last time they tallied that number of wins was in Season 82.
Cuan also underscored the role of point guard Forthsky Padrigao who helped rally the team mentally.
“Siguro credit din kay Forthsky kasi gina-gather niya yung team eh. Especially ang problem kasi namin for the past two games is after second half, 'yung third quarter namin. Dun kami medyo nag-aalangan.” said the tactician.
“So kanina, even if nakakahabol yung FEU, positive lang yung team and nagtulong-tulong.”
Padrigao was key to the offense of the Growling Tigers as he finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists. In 24 minutes and 23 seconds of action, he either scored or assisted in 39 of UST's 83 points, according to statistician Pong Ducanes. He also had four rebounds.
But it was Tounkara who carried the heaviest load on scoring with a game-high 21 markers. He also had 17 rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Cabañero finished with 13 points as well on an off shooting night as he went 6-of-21. Eleven of those came in the second half.
Jorick Bautista led FEU in the losing effort with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
The Tamaraws finish Round 1 at the bottom half of the standings with a 1-7 slate.