UST HOLDS OFF UE IN GRITTY BATTLE, TIES FOR SECOND
By: Joaquin Cortez
In a battle of Strong Group teams, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs withstood a furious late rally from defending champion University of the East to secure a 102-93 victory in a key UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball matchup on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
CJ Tabbuga led the charge for UST, exploding for 25 points, including six triples, along with six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, helping the Tiger Cubs avenge their 87-78 first-round loss to UE last October 4.
“Nakita ko na nag-respond yung mga players. Well prepared naman kami para sa ipapakita ng UE. Lahat nung gusto namin mangyari habang nagpe-prepare, nakita namin sa laro. Kaya medyo maganda yung kinalabasan ng laro,” said UST head coach Noli Mejos, praising his team’s preparation and resilience.
UST built a commanding 59-41 lead by halftime, fueled by timely baskets from Miguel Jubilado, Rowie Cabañero, and Dave Regala, extending the margin to 81-63 entering the fourth quarter.
Despite the deficit, UE mounted a spirited comeback, led by MVP frontrunner Goodluck Okebata, Sean Felizmenia, Zion Aguilar, and Juan Mallabo, cutting the lead to just 96-90 with 49 seconds remaining.
The Tiger Cubs, however, held their ground in the closing moments. Jubilado’s layup and clutch free throws from Cabañero restored a 100-90 cushion with just 33.7 seconds left, securing the hard-fought win.
Jubilado finished with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, adding five assists and two steals.
Cabañero nearly recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while Wayne Anggot contributed 14 points and Regala added 13 points, six rebounds, and a block. Gab Castro chipped in 12 points and six boards, highlighting UST’s balanced attack.
Okebata led UE with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, along with nine rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and two assists. Mark Perdigon added 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals, but the Warriors fell short despite their late surge.
The victory allowed UST to tie Far Eastern University-Diliman for a share of second place at 8-3, giving the Tiger Cubs a crucial position heading into the Final Four, while UE sits at 7-5.
