THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers tied the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the top of the standings after they edged the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 72-71, in the 78th UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The usual suspects stepped up for UST, namely Ed Daquioag and Kevin Ferrer, who scored 18 and 13, respectively, to give the Tigers their second win in as many games and tie the surprising Maroons for the lead.
UST and UP will clash for the solo lead on Sunday.
UST actually led by nine in the third but FEU stormed right back and led by four, 58-54, heading to the final canto.
Daquioag stepped up and scored consecutive baskets inside to give UST a 70-67 lead. Then after former Cebu Eastern College pivotman Raymar Jose scored for FEU, Daquioag did not flinch and sank a layup to bring the lead back to three, 72-69.
Russel Escoto trimmed the deficit to one with a jumper but FEU could not pull off the win as Mike Tolomia lost control of the ball in their last possession. Tolomia, FEU’s star guard, finished with an astounding 10 turnovers to go with his eight points.
Mac Belo led FEU, which fell to 1-1, with 17 while Cebuanos Roger Pogoy and Jose tallied 13 and 12, respectively.
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