By Waylon Galvez
Games Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – UP vs NU
4 p.m. – AdU vs FEU
University of Santo Tomas used its long-range shooting to snap a three-game losing skid with an 80-66 thumping of University of the East 80-66 yesterday in the 81st UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
Renzo Suubido exploded for 22 points on 5-of-10 three-point shots coming off the bench, while CJ Cansino added 17 points for UST.
In all, the Growling Tigers connected on 16 of 35 from three-point territory, four more than the combined 12 they had in their first five games.
UST’s win improved its record to 2-4 while suffered its fitth setback in six games.
The España-based team led by as many as 21 points early in the third period before UE fought back and trimmed the deficit to just seven points behind ace gunner Alvin Pasaol, who scored 32 points.
The Tigers, however, were not yet done with Joshua Marcos burying two, while Cansino and Suubido each had one that sealed the victory.
Cansino, who played below par in the team’s setback to De La Salle last week, had an impressive all-around performance as he also collected 17 rebounds, four assists and a shot block.
“We really prepared hard for this game,” said Cansino. “We don’t know what’s lacking on our team even if we do everything in practice, but we just can’t do the things in the game.”
“So we’re happy, finally we’re able to do the things in this game,” nadala na namin finally,” Cansino added.
Aside from being the only double-digit scorer for UE, Pasaol also collared 15 rebounds and stole thrice.
The Warriors showed none of the brilliance that enabled to beat FEU by 25 points the last time.
Meanwhile, action continues today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as unbeaten Adamson tries to stretch its win streak to six when it tackles FEU at 4 p.m., right after the 2 p.m. game between UP and NU.
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 QUARTERS: 23-17; 39-23; 60-43; 80-66.
