Santo Tomas poured its wrath on listless University of the East, 111-99, for a swift bounceback win to stay right behind unbeaten leader Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Licking their wounds from a 76-69 defeat against the NU Bulldogs – their lone scar so far after slaying title favorites UP and La Salle – the Growling Tigers rubbed off an early nine-point deficit behind a big surge in the middle quarters to improve to solo third at 3-1 midway through the first round.
In the other game, title-holder UP unleashed a staggering 32-12 closeout, including a 22-2 rally, to snap NU’s unbeaten run, 66-59, and jack up its card to 2-2.
The Bulldogs fell to 3-1 for a tie with first-game winner Santo Tomas, missing out on gaining a solo lead now owned by Ateneo (3-0).
Francis Nnoruka (14) and Gani Stevens (10) spearheaded the fightback from a 34-47 deficit late in the third as the Fighting Maroons notched their second straight win after a flat title defense kickoff.
Collins Akowe, after bleeding for a season-low performance against NU due to sickness, regained his groove in style with 18 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and three blocks as Santo Tomas primed up for another gigantic clash against unbeaten Ateneo at their home turf at the Blue Eagles gym next week.
Nic Cabañero rifled in 22 to lead the way in scoring laced by two rebounds, eight assists and two steals while floor general Forthsky Padrigao scattered 18 points, three rebounds, six assists and six steals.