by Ruf Serafin

University of Santo Tomas secured its second consecutive victory after turning back Ateneo, 90-78, to hand the Blue Eagles their fourth straight loss.

The Tiger Cubs raced to a 19-4 advantage in the opening quarter before Ateneo mounted a comeback behind Chris Llavore, Jayden Ylen, and Spencer Saw. The Blue Eagles cut the deficit to three, 45-42, by halftime.

UST maintained a narrow 54-53 lead before unleashing a 12-0 run, capped by Miguel Austria’s basket that restored a double-digit advantage at 66-53 midway through the third quarter.

Ateneo threatened again when Saw knocked down a triple to trim the deficit to five, 75-70, with under five minutes remaining. UST’s defense held firm in the closing stretch to secure the victory.

Mac Macasarte led the Tiger Cubs with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six steals, while Austria added 20 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.

UST’s transition game proved decisive, producing 30 fastbreak points against Ateneo’s 14. Llavore paced the Blue Eagles with a double-double of 19 points and 19 rebounds, while Saw finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Cubs will aim to bring momentum as they face Adamson Saturday, September 26 at the DLSZ Sports Pavillion.

(Photo from UAAP Media)