UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas launched its redemption bid on a high at the expense of University of the East yesterday.
Showing a peek of their newfound strength, the Growling Tigers clobbered the Red Warriors 70-55 for their first win in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sophomore forward Mark Llemit typified UST’s renewed zest in the new season after a woeful 2-11 campaign in the last cage wars, banging in a left corner three-pointer off a Nic Cabañero missed triple try that pegged a 61-43 game at the 5:16 mark of the fourth.
Tigers coach Pido Jarencio put that play in simple words.
“Players want to win. They’re sharing the ball, they played as a group,” Jarencio said.
“Tsaka ang importante ito team ko na ito, matagal na itong preparasyon namin.
“Kaya we’re ready. Mahabang season ito pero for sure, with the coaches that I have, we’ll be ready,” he added.
Later, Adamson University spoiled the debut of new Far Eastern University strategist Sean Chambers with a 59-47 win.
Cabañero showed the way for the Tigers with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists while Malian import Mo Tounkara added 13 markers and four boards.
Christian Manaytay also had 10 and three for UST.
“Not really surprised that we struggled today because going to the UAAP opening, the last couple of weeks we were struggling as a group. It showed especially in the first half where the team wasn’t really settling down,” Soaring Falcons tactician Nash Racela said.
“It’s good that Royce Mantua and Matty Erolon delivered today because we will need every contribution that they could give us, not just them but the rest of the team.”
Mantua, a transferee from UST, led Adamson with 14 points, including three triples, while Matthew Montebon chipped in with 11 markers.
