University of Santo Tomas flaunted its retooled lineup, thumping University of the East by 15, 70-55, in its UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament opener at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Malienne big man Mo Tounkara made an impressive debut for the Growling Tigers, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds and two steals.
Forthsky Padrigao, a transferee from Ateneo de Manila University, also showed a well-rounded game despite struggling with his shot, ending with five points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Seniors Nic Cabañero and Christian Manaytay contributed solid performances, with Cabañero scoring 14 points and Manaytay adding 10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field.
“Players want to win. They’re sharing the ball, they played as a group, saka ang importante ito team ko na ito eh, saka matagal na itong preparasyon namin kaya we’re ready. Mahabang season ito pero for sure, with the coaches that I have, we’ll be ready,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
Padrigao’s three-pointer from the top of the arc gave the Growling Tigers a 45-25 lead in the third quarter with 3:38 remaining, but the Red Warriors clawed back to within 11, 46-35, behind efforts from Ethan Galang, Precious Momowei, and Devin Fikes.
However, UST maintained its composure and never let the game slip away. Cabañero, Mark Llemit, Gelo Crisostomo, and Kyle Paranada made crucial baskets that kept the Growling Tigers in control throughout the fourth quarter.
“This is only the first game, so we’re looking forward to building more chemistry with the team. That’s the most important thing. We’re here to compete with ourselves and against all the other teams,” said Tounkara.
Llemit, a sophomore forward, chipped in nine points and four rebounds while posting a game-high plus-21 for the Growling Tigers. UST’s ball movement was a key factor, as they recorded 24 assists compared to UE’s 12.
UST will aim to match last season’s win total of two games when they face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
Momowei led the Red Warriors with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists but was hampered by five turnovers. Galang added 11 points, while Fikes and Gjerard Wilson contributed nine points each.
Unfortunately, Fikes suffered a left knee injury—the same knee he hurt last year—after landing awkwardly on a three-point attempt at the 4:41 mark of the fourth quarter.
UE’s next game will be on Saturday against University of the Philippines, also at the same venue.
