The UST Growling Tigers bested the UE Red Warriors in a physical affair to strengthen their hold on the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 87 standings.
The UST Growling Tigers were able to hold the fort against the UE Red Warriors in a physical affair in their second round encounter, 76-67, in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
Taking their second win in the second round, UST tightened its hold on the No. 4 spot in the standings with a 6-7 slate. The Growling Tigers are now one game ahead of fifth placer FEU Tamaraws.
The win also officially eliminated the Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-9) from Final Four contention.
After building a lead as big as 27 points, 41-14, in the second quarter, the Growling Tigers fended off a furious comeback try by the Red Warriors even as foreign student-athlete Precious Momowei was ejected from the game with 5:13 left in the ball game.
Momowei was sent off after his second unsportsmanlike foul — where he hit UST’s Gelo Crisostomo in the head with his elbow that drew blood.
It was his second infraction after engaging in a similar incident with Mo Tounkara in the second quarter.
Despite their big man’s ejection, the Red Warriors continued to push and got within five points, 69-64, after a Jack Cruz-Dumont three with 2:48 remaining in the game.
But Nic Cabañero answered right back with an and-one in the next possession to create breathing space for the Growling Tigers.
He was also the one who powered the strong start for the Tigers as he finished with a season high 27 points to go along with eight rebounds, and one assist. Gelo Crisostomo added an efficient 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting clip.
Crisostomo also had seven rebounds, two steals and a block. Christian Manaytay added 10 points.
Cruz-Dumont paced UE in the losing effort with 19 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
UE have lost three in a row and are at 6-6.