The UST Growling Tigers edged the gutsy UP Fighting Maroons, 83-76, to improve to 9-2 in UAAP Season 77 with three games left to play in the eliminations. With the win, UST is now assured of a slot in the Final Four along with the league-leading FEU Tamaraws.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fell to 3-7 on the season. Despite their subpar record, UP is still in contention for a Final Four slot as they sit just two games behind the fourth place DLSU Green Archers.

Kevin Ferrer was phenomenal for the Growling Tigers and he finished with a career-best 29 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three three pointers.
Louie Vigil added 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Ed Daquioag and Karim Abdul scored 15 and 10 points, respectively. UST’s starters combined to score a whopping 73 points in this contest.

Veteran swingman Jett Manuel led the charge for the Fighting Maroons with 21 points and eight rebounds. Agustini Amar, Diego Dario, and Paul Desiderio added 12, 11, and 10 points respectively.

The Growling Tigers led by as much as 12 points in the second half and did not relinquish the lead throughout the game.

The scores:

UST 83: Ferrer 29, Vigil 16, Daquioag 15, Abdul 10, Lao 7, Lee 3, Subido 3.

UP 76: Manuel 21, Amar 12, Dario 11, Desiderio 10, Asilum 5, Jaboneta 5, Moralde 4, Vito 4, Gallarza 2, Kone 2.

Quarter Scores: 15-11, 38-35, 61-51, 83-76.