The UST Growling Tigers find rhythm after the halftime break to clinch a UAAP semis slot for the first time since 2019.
The UST Growling Tigers are headed to the UAAP Final Four for the first time since 2019, after beating the Adamson Soaring Falcons in their final game of eliminations, 75-49, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday.
The Growling Tigers, who finish the eliminations at 7-7, used a third quarter avalanche where they outscored their opponents, 23-4, to run away with the ball game.
This came even as former UST player Royce Mantua drilled a buzzer beating three at halftime to get Adamson within a point, 29-28. But heading into the fourth quarter, it was all but decided with UST ahead by 20, 52-32.
Amiel Acido led the cavalry in the third canto after scoring eight of his 14 points in that period. Nic Cabañero also made his mark with an identical 8-marker outing in that period as well.
The rookie’s timely contributions coupled consistent outings from starters like Cabañero and Mo Tounkara. Cabañero chipped in 13 points while Tounkara registered a double-double of 11 points and 14 boards.
UST’s dominant win came even as the Soaring Falcons jumped to a strong start in the opening period where they led by as much as 11, 14-3, in the first few minutes of the ball game.
The Growling Tigers led by as much as 28 points, 75-47, after a Kyle Paranada triple with 45 seconds left in the ballgame.
Adamson, who are now at 5-8 with one game remaining against Ateneo, were led by Matthew Montebon’s 14 points.
The Soaring Falcons can still make it to the Final Four via playoff if they win against Ateneo (4-9) and the UE Red Warriors (6-7) lose against the UP Fighting Maroons.