University of Santo Tomas is on a roll extending its win streak to four games after losing a one-point game in the season-opener.
The Growling Tigers walloped a hapless University of the East squad pummeling them for a 85-69 victory in the 75th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City today.
Despite the absence of starter Jeric Teng due to a strained knee, UST still overwhelmed the undermanned Warriors with other the other Tigers stepping up to the plate.
Karim Abdul scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Growling Tigers while Kevin Ferrer, Louie Vigil and Aljon Mariano all scored in double figures chipping in 16, 13 and 12 points, respectively.
"Malalim na talaga kami ngayon. Mas dumami na ang bala natin dati isang magasin lang ngayon pang matagalan na pwede na hanggang fourth quarter fully loaded pa din kami" said UST coach Pido Jarencio.
The second quarter was the turning point of the game with the Tigers prowling on the Warriors, emloying their efficient offense taking a 26-12 scoring advantage to take a commanding 41-23 lead entering the second half.
"Itong team na binuo namin kumpleto na. May puso, pride at palaban din. Gusto nila manalo nang walang nasasaktan at gusto nila manalo na nagta-trabaho talaga sila," Jarencio added.
JR Sumido tied Abdul with 20 points while Roi Sumang and Pedrito Galanza added 13 and 10 points, respectively for the losing Red Warriors.
UE fought well in the first 10 minutes of the ball game as they trailed by only four points, 11-15, at the end of the opening quarter.
First-time starter Louie Vigil led UST in its first half charge with 10 points. Jarencio utilized his bench well with 10 players scoring in the first half on an impressive 52 percent shooting from the field.
UST improved their record to a 4-1 slate for solo second spot while UE remained winless as it dropped its fifth straight game.