Cansino stars anew as UST Tigers return to winning ways

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas pounced on University of the East's unimpressive form, 80-66, in Saturday's UAAP men's basketball hostilities at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

CJ Cansino played beyond his rookie tag anew, scattering 17 markers and 16 rebounds to help the Growling Tigers arrest a three-game losing skid.

Renzo Subido had the most for the Tigers with 22 points.

"'Di namin alam pano kami babawi. 'di namin alam bakit sa pratice ang ganda tapos 'di namin nadadala," Cansino said of UST's mind-set going into the match.

"Si coach naman binibigay 'yung kumpyansa sa'min basta maganda 'yung [pinapakita] namin," the freshman added.

“[Agenda was] kung ano 'yung nilalaro sa ensayo namin, mailabas dito,” head coach Aldin Ayo chimed in.

UST improved their record to a pair of wins and six losses. UE, on the other hand, drops to 1-5 after notching their first win at the expense of Far Eastern University.

The Growling Tigers had an impressive outing from deep, converting 47 percent of their shots. The Red Warriors had a forgettable 14.2 percent.

UE's star scorer Alvin Pasaol had 32 points and 15 boards in the losing effort. 

The Growling Tigers take on defending champions Blue Eagles this coming Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

The Red Warriors will try to bounce back from their recent loss when they lock horns with the streaking Adamson Falcons, Saturday also at the MOA Arena.

* * *

The Scores 

UST 80 – Subido 22, Cansino 17, Lee 9, Huang 9, Marcos 6, Zamora 6, Mahinay 5, Caunan 4, Bataller 2, Cosejo 0, Agustin 0, Lagumen 0

UE 66 – Pasaol 32, Varilla 9, Manalang 8, Bartolome 4, Acuno 3, Conner 2, Beltran 2, Maloles 2, Lacap 2, Gallardo 2, Cullar 0, Antiporda 0, Gagate 0

QUARTER SCORES: 23-17, 39-23, 60-43, 80-66