A late-game turnover by the UST Growling Tigers turned into disaster at their home court at the hands of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles forced a crucial turnover late in the game as they survived the UST Growling Tigers, 67-64, at the latter’s home court at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
With the game only within two points, 64-62, UST point guard Forthsky Padrigao threw an inbound pass awry to Nic Cabañero, which turned into a steal and a basket for Sean Quitevis at the other end to make it a two-possession lead for the Blue Eagles with 11.7 remaining.
Despite scoring a quick two courtesy of Kyle Paranada in the next sequence, the Growling Tigers were forced to play the foul game with the clock ticking.
Even as Ian Espinosa split his freebies to leave the door ajar for UST, Ateneo’s defense was able to force one last turnover as they hung on for the victory.
Andrew Bongo top scored for Ateneo in the win with 14 markers to go along with seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Espinosa, meanwhile, had 10 points, six boards, two assists, and one steal.
Cabañero, who fouled out late, was the top-scorer for UST with 18 points. He also had six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
The Growling Tigers were playing without foreign student-athlete Mo Tounkara due to suspension.
Ateneo improved its record to 3-6 while the Growling Tigers are now losers of three straight and are at 4-6.