Tigers end dry spell vs Archers

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas finally broke a 16-game losing streak against the La Salle Green Archers, pulling away in the fourth quarter to grab a 93-84 win in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigers, who last won against La Salle back in October 2015, banked on the efforts of Nic Cabanero and rookie Collins Akowe to grab the come-from-behind win.

The former powered UST with 27 points and six rebounds, while the latter flexed his muscles inside with 20 markers and 19 boards.

La Salle led by 12 points, 68-56, in the third quarter after a triple by Earl Abadam.

The Espana-based squad then unleashed a massive 14-2 run capped by a pair of free throws by Cabanero to tie things up at 70-all.

The fourth quarter turned into a nip-and-tuck affair, as both teams traded baskets.

A 3-pointer by Vhoris Marasigan tied things up at 79-all. But UST, off the stellar plays of Kyle Paranada and Amiel Acido, unleashed a mini 6-0 run to grab an 85-79 separation.

Doy Dungo then answered with a booming triple to slice the UST lead to half, 82-85, before the Tigers iced the game with an 8-2 run, with Akowe, Cabanero and the season-debuting Forthsky Padrigao leading the way, to seal the win.

UST’s last win over La Salle prior to this game was a slim 81-79 victory back in Season 78, when Karim Abdul, Ed Daquioag and Kevin Ferrer squeaked past the Jeron Teng-led Green Archers.

On Saturday, Amiel Acido provided the needed spark for the Tigers with 13 points to go with six rebounds. He made three 3-pointers as he shot 5-of-11 from the field. Padrigao chipped in 12 markers, nine dimes, three boards and three steals in 28 minutes of play.

Jacob Cortez finished with 17 points for La Salle, with 12 coming in the first half. Earl Abadam produced 11 points, while Mason Amos, Kean Baclaan and Marasigan had nine apiece for the Taft-based squad.

UST is now holding a share of the lead with a 2-0 win-loss record. Meanwhile, La Salle dropped to 1-1.