Tigers stop Tams, secure playoff for twice-to-beat bonus

MANILA, Philippines -- The UST Growling Tigers ended the Far Easter U Tamaraws' nine-game win streak and assured themselves of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with a huge 85-76 win Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers came all the way back from 14 points down leaning on a big spurt in the middle quarters to sweep the Tamaraws in their season head-to-head.

UST drew big games from Karim Abdul and Kevin Ferrer, who had to be carried to the dugout with oxygen in the third period due to exhaustion, while Louie Vigil, Mario Bonleon and Ed Daquioag also delivered in double digits as the five Tigers outscored the whole FEU team, 81-76.

Abdul finished with 23 points, five rebound and three assists while Ferrer had 21 and six boards. Vigil and Bonleon hit 13 points apiece and Daquioag added 11 for the Tigers, who moved up to 10-3, creating a bigger separation from the Ateneo Blue Eagles (8-4).

Despite the loss, the Tamaraws remained on top with 10-2 win-loss mark.

Mike Tolomia scored 17 points to pace FEU, which led by 14 early on and 11 at the end of the opening period, 30-19.

The Tigers, exploded for a combined 50 points to the Tamaraws' 29 in the second and third quarter to wipe out the Tamaraws' double-digit lead and established a 13-point advantage of their own and never looked back.