The UST Growling Tigers fended off a second‑half surge from the UE Red Warriors, 98‑87, to notch their second straight victory in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigers came out firing, outscoring the Red Warriors in the first two quarters to build a 19‑point lead, 52‑33, at halftime.
UE fought back after the break, trimming the deficit to six, 83‑77, with 6:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Landyn Jumawan, Mark Llemit, and Collins Akowe helped UST withstand the Red Warriors’ comeback attempt and secure its second win in three games.
“Marunong din naman mag‑basketball ‘yung kalaban eh. 0‑3, new coach, pero siyempre ‘yung mga players gusto rin magpasikat niyan para sa bago nilang coach. Nung second half, nakuha nila ‘yung momentum pero kami at least steady; in the end, we got the win. As long as we get that W, one, two, three points, basta manalo ok lang,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido Lead the Way for UST
Llemit led the Growling Tigers with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, while Amiel Acido contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
Akowe finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks, while Jumawan added 13 points.
For the Red Warriors, Toper Lagat scored 22 points, while Mo Tañedo had 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Cole Cruz‑Dumont added 12 points, while Gene Carillo stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.
The Growling Tigers will take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, October 3, at 3:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will face the defending champions La Salle Green Archers on Sunday, October 4, at the same venue.
