The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers book their third straight victory at the expense of hosts University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons 67-59 in front of a season-high crowd of 11, 705 to secure the top spot in UAAP Season 78 ladder.
Veteran UST guard Ed Daquioag, playing out his final year, led the Tigers with 27 points to extend his team’s reign atop the standings while dealing UP its first heartbreak early in the season.
“Last year pa lang, si Ed (Daquioag) nakaano na sa akin na siya ang magdadala ng team.” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz when asked of his prized guard’s late game heroics.
IN PHOTOS: More experienced UST remain undefeated in UAAP 78, beat UP
With the win over perennial cellar-dweller UP, the Growling Tigers are now off to a 3-0 card, the team’s best start since 2003, boosting chances of another final four appearance this season. The Espana-based squad took the game from the get-go as they were able to limit the Fighting Maroons to only two field goals in the first period. UST Frontline duo of Kareem Abdul and Kevin Ferrer combined for 24 of their team’s 67 points.
Daquioag lead the Growling Tigers for the thid straight game with 27 points. Photo by Martin San Diego
The Tigers survived an early second half scare as Daquioag fell on the hardcourt and had to be escorted out of the playing court. But the UST spitfire guard returned after only a possession and continued to wreak havoc against the constricting defense of the Maroons.
Meanwhile, UP had its only taste of the lead in the third period courtesy of a triple from returning player Jett Manuel. Sophomore guard Diego Dario led UP with a team-high 15 points. The loss against UST gave UP its first beating of the season after going 2-0 in the opening week of the UAAP.
The Growling Tigers will next face the struggling defending champions the National University Bulldogs on Saturday while UP will next face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws this Sunday.
IN PHOTOS: More experienced UST remain undefeated in UAAP 78, beat UP
