By MARK REY MONTEJO
Collins Akowe stood tall on both ends as University of Santo Tomas held off Ateneo, 67-59, for a solid grip of fourth spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 15.
With Forthsky Padrigao orchestrating the offense with razor-sharp precision, the Growling Tigers posted their biggest lead at 61-51,
in the fourth.
Akowe, 19, made his presence felt with defensive masterclass, especially in the paint, that gave the Blue Eagles a hard time to mount a comeback.
Akowe logged 15 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, and four blocks to steer UST to its second consecutive victories that hiked its record to 7-5, just behind De La Salle University (6-4).
Meanwhile, Ateneo returned to the losing column and dropped at 5-6 to tie with Adamson at fifth in the standings.
The España-based crew also reasserted its dominance over Ateneo which it outlasted in a classic triple overtime showdown in the first round via a 98-89 triumph at the Blue Eagle Gym last Oct. 11.
Apart from the brilliance of the 6-foot-10 Nigerian, Padrigao also impressed with six points off two straight triples in the payoff period which went with one rebound, and two assists, while Nic Cabañero collected 14 points on top of seven rebounds, and six assists.
Gelo Crisostomo and Amiel Acido aided the Tigers with 14 and nine points, respectively.
Kymani Ladi was the lone double-digit scorer for the Eagles with 14 points with three rebounds. Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano posted eight points each.
Jared Bahay struggled offensively with seven points on 1-of-11 shooting along with five rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
UST tries to maintain or improve its tally when it squares off with National University (11-2) next Sunday, Nov. 23, at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tab Baldwin-guided group, on the other hand, aims to bounce back and keeps its semis bid alive when it challenges reigning champion University of the Philippines (8-3) Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the same Pasay-based arena.
The scores:
UST (67) – Akowe 15, Cabañero 14, Crisostomo 10, Acido 9, Paranada 7, Padrigao 6, Llemit 2, Buenaflor 2, Danting 2, Estacio 0, Calum 0.
Ateneo (59) – Ladi 14, Escobar 8, Tuano 8, Bahay 7, Adili 6, Lazaro 4, Bongo 4, Espina 2, Espinosa 2, Lazo 2, Fjellvang 2.
Quarters: 25-18, 35-33, 53-46, 67-59
