The UST Growling Tigers stay at 4th place in the standings with an important win over the Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87.
The UST Growling Tigers breathed new life into their Final Four hopes as they gained an important win over the FEU Tamaraws, 79-70, in their second round encounter in UAAP Season 87 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, October 27.
UST, who entered the game on a three-game slump, survived a 31-point explosion from FEU rookie Veejay Pre as the Growling Tigers kept their hold of the fourth spot in the standings, improving to a 5-6 record for the year.
Riding Pre’s hot hand, FEU hung around until late in the ball game against UST as the Tamaraws kept themselves within striking distance, 70-76, with 27.6 left after a Pre triple.
But steady makes from the free throw line courtesy of Forthsky Padrigao and Christian Manaytay for UST kept the gutsy Tamaraws at bay.
Kyle Paranada emerged as a surprise contributor for the Growling Tigers as he finished with 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting. He also had one rebound, and two assists to take Player of the Game honors.
He was one of four UST players who finished in double-digit scoring, led by Nic Cabañero’s 16 markers as he made a return to the starting lineup.
Padrigao and Mo Tounkara, who returned from a one-game suspension, chipped in with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Tounkara had a double-double in the victory as he also had 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Pre, meanwhile, saw his career performance go down the drain as he also finished with a double-double with 14 rebounds to go along with his 31 points.
He was the only Tamaraw in double figures.
FEU thus slid to 3-7 for the season and is now in danger of missing out on the Final Four.