Second-Half Surge Powers Tigers Past Red-Hot Tamaraws
UST erased a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat FEU, 81-69, ending contrasting streaks in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. The Growling Tigers snapped two consecutive losses while stopping a Tamaraws squad that entered Wednesday riding four straight victories.
UST Flips Game With Dominant Third Quarter
Justin Valencia covered UST’s comeback Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum after the Growling Tigers endured another difficult opening half. The Tigers trailed 41-28 at halftime before producing their most decisive stretch of basketball during the third quarter.
UST outscored FEU, 29-9, transforming a 13-point halftime deficit into a seven-point advantage entering the final period. The Growling Tigers carried a 57-50 lead into the fourth after reversing the game’s direction immediately following halftime.
“It’s been a hell week for us, especially with those two losses, but the good thing is these guys were not affected that much. We just did what we had to do in the second half. You see the disparity in the first half and the second half,” said UST deputy coach Peter Martin.
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Tigers Respond After Consecutive UAAP Defeats
UST entered Wednesday after consecutive defeats against Adamson and NU, following an encouraging 2-1 start to Season 89. Adamson defeated UST by 28 points before Reinhard Jumamoy’s game-winning three-pointer lifted NU past the Tigers.
Llemit and Akowe Lead UST Comeback Victory
Mark Llemit led UST with 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block against FEU. He also posted a plus-22 rating across 29 minutes and 24 seconds during the Growling Tigers’ comeback victory.
Collins Akowe finished with 14 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists after missing all five first-half field-goal attempts. Rookie Andrew Chio added 14 points, providing UST with another double-digit scorer during its successful second-half comeback.
Akowe Responds After Scoreless First Half
Akowe entered halftime scoreless after missing five attempts before producing all 14 of his points following the break. His 19 rebounds and four assists completed a productive final line as UST overturned its 13-point halftime deficit.
UST Answers FEU Rally With 12-0 Finish
FEU recovered from UST’s dominant third quarter and tied the contest at 69 with 2:36 remaining in regulation. Mo Konateh supplied the tying three-pointer, giving the Tamaraws another opportunity after surrendering their substantial halftime advantage.
FEU failed to score during the remaining 2:36 as UST closed the contest with 12 consecutive unanswered points. Amiel Acido, Akowe, and Llemit contributed during the closing surge that transformed a tied game into an 81-69 victory.
Tigers Break 69-69 Tie Over Final 2:36
UST answered a 69-69 tie by scoring the game’s final 12 points across the remaining two minutes and 36 seconds. The closing run followed Konateh’s tying three-pointer and secured UST’s first victory following consecutive losses against Adamson and NU.
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FEU Streak Ends Despite Konateh Double-Double
Konateh led FEU with 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal despite the defeat. Jorick Bautista added 14 points and three assists but converted only four of his 14 field-goal attempts.
Kirby Mongcopa scored 12 points on 6-of-20 shooting as FEU’s four-game winning streak ended against the Growling Tigers. The Tamaraws scored only nine points during the third quarter before recovering to tie the game late in regulation.
Bautista and Mongcopa Combine for 10-of-34 Shooting
Bautista and Mongcopa combined to convert 10 of 34 field-goal attempts during FEU’s 12-point loss against UST. Konateh’s 18-point, 15-rebound double-double led the Tamaraws, who finished the contest without scoring across the final 2:36.
UST Returns to 3-3 in Crowded UAAP Race
The victory moved UST to 3-3 entering its first-round finale against Ateneo at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday. FEU dropped to 4-2 but remained tied atop the standings with idle National University following Wednesday’s result.
The Tamaraws next face NU on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in a matchup between the standings leaders. UST, meanwhile, can move above .500 by defeating Ateneo after returning to an even record through Wednesday’s comeback.
UST Faces Ateneo While FEU Meets NU
UST hosts Ateneo on Saturday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion after improving its Season 89 record to 3-3. FEU meets fellow 4-2 leader National University on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym following its streak-ending defeat.
Analytical Breakdown: UST Took Control After Halftime
UST’s 29-9 third quarter demonstrated impressive composure, turning a difficult first half into complete control through stronger execution. Llemit’s rebounding and playmaking make him harder to contain because his influence remains significant even beyond his scoring production. Akowe’s response after going scoreless before halftime showed the persistence UST needs when early offensive struggles threaten its rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the UST versus FEU UAAP game?
UST defeated FEU, 81-69, after overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit during their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball matchup.
How many points did Mark Llemit score against FEU?
Llemit recorded 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block during UST’s comeback victory.
How did Collins Akowe perform against FEU?
Akowe finished with 14 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists after going scoreless throughout the entire first half.
What are UST and FEU’s UAAP records?
UST improved to 3-3, while FEU dropped to 4-2 and remained tied with National University atop the standings.
Who will UST and FEU play next?
UST hosts Ateneo on Saturday, while FEU faces fellow standings leader NU on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
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