UST tallied four wins after Round 1 of UAAP Season 87. At this point, the Growling Tigers have already surpassed their win record in each of the past three seasons.
The UST Growling Tigers aim to build on their best start since UAAP Season 82 as they face the UP Fighting Maroons this Sunday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST finished Round 1 in fourth place with a 4-3 record, marking their most competitive campaign in recent years. With momentum on their side, the Growling Tigers are eager to avenge their 81-70 loss to UP from October 2 and solidify their standing as a Final Four contender.
UST’s offense has been a highlight in Season 87, as the team leads the league in 2-point field goals with a remarkable 49.43% shooting accuracy. The Growling Tigers also dominate in perimeter points, with 31.0 per game, making them a versatile scoring team.
Their starters have been particularly productive, contributing a league-high 47.0 points per game (PPG), showing UST’s ability to set the tone early in games.
The offensive duo of Mo Tounkara and Nic Cabañero has been central to UST’s success.
Tounkara is the second-highest scorer in the league, averaging 14.0 PPG, while Cabañero follows closely with 13.57 PPG, ranking third overall.
UST's foreign student athlete has been especially effective inside, leading the league in total field goals made with 5.71 per game.
Forthsky Padrigao, a transfer from Ateneo, has been a key addition to UST’s lineup.
Padrigao’s sharp shooting has him ranked third in three-point field goals made, but his greatest value lies in his playmaking ability. He leads the league in assists, averaging 7.14 dimes per game, orchestrating UST’s offense effectively. However, limiting his turnovers will be crucial in ensuring the Tigers remain competitive against the league’s top teams.
While UST’s offense has been potent, their defense still has room for growth. The Growling Tigers have allowed opponents to score an average of 70.43 points, and their shot-blocking has been minimal, with just 1.71 blocks per game—the lowest in the league.
On the bright side, UST’s defense has been resilient in limiting second-chance points, holding opponents to just 8.43 PPG in this category.
A win over UP would give UST a significant boost as they look to solidify their Final Four hopes in Round 2. With their best start in years and a balanced roster, the Growling Tigers are poised to make a statement in their quest to return to playoff contention.
[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.]