Ian Espinosa gave just enough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles to hold on to the slim lead against the UST Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 87.
Ian Espinosa stepped up in crunch time as the Ateneo Blue Eagles held off the UST Growling Tigers, 67-64, in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With Ateneo up 64-62 in the final seconds, Espinosa capitalized on UST’s costly error when Forthsky Padrigao’s inbound pass intended for Nic Cabañero was stolen by Ateneo’s Sean Quitevis, who converted the steal into a critical basket.
Espinosa then split his free throws with 11.7 seconds left, giving Ateneo enough cushion that sealed the win. He delivered 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in a standout performance, guiding the Blue Eagles to their second straight win.
UST slides to 4-6 after their third straight loss, while Ateneo improves to 3-6.