Second-Half Control Guides UST to Breakthrough Victory

University of Santo Tomas protected another second-half advantage, defeating De La Salle University, 80-75, for its first Season 89 victory. The Growling Tigers survived serious late pressure after surrendering control against University of the Philippines during their opening defeat.

UST Responds After Painful UP Collapse

UST entered Wednesday carrying lessons from its opening loss, when UP seized control with a powerful second-half surge. Justin Valencia captured that response for Tiebreaker Times as the Tigers survived another late challenge at Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory moved UST to 1-1, matching La Salle after both programs split their first two Season 89 assignments. Head coach Pido Jarencio credited collective preparation and detailed scouting for helping the Tigers respond to their opening disappointment.

“This is a team effort. Coaches, players, management… I commend our coaches kasi hinimay nila. Talagang nag-scout nang husto bawat player tiningnan. Actually, walang pressure sa amin, lalaro lang kami. Basta kami, we work as one unit, yun malakas kami,” Jarencio said.

“Lesson learned nung natalo kami against UP. Wake-up call agad yun. That’s a good wake-up call for us kasi first game talo kaagad,” he added.

Image from: Inquirer Sports – Inquirer.net

Jarencio Credits Preparation and Collective Effort

The UP defeat exposed UST’s difficulty maintaining second-half control, giving Jarencio’s group an immediate problem requiring attention against La Salle. This time, the Tigers absorbed another momentum swing without surrendering the lead, providing early evidence of improved late-game composure.

La Salle Erases Most of Nine-Point Deficit

Collins Akowe pushed UST ahead 72-63 midway through the fourth quarter after scoring inside against La Salle’s Mo Kulang. The Green Archers responded aggressively, with Luis Pablo and Jacob Cortez repeatedly attacking the defense and drawing fouls.

Pablo and Cortez combined to convert seven of eight free throws, allowing La Salle to close quickly without relying on jumpers. JC Macalalag later buried a three-pointer with 1:27 remaining, trimming UST’s advantage to 74-73 and intensifying the pressure.

Free Throws Fuel Green Archers Comeback

La Salle’s foul-line pressure stopped the clock while preventing UST from consistently turning defensive rebounds into transition opportunities during the comeback. Defending penetration without unnecessary contact remains important when opponents can erase late deficits through repeated trips to the line.

Acido and Akowe Finish UST Victory

UST answered Macalalag’s three with defensive stops before Akowe and Amiel Acido combined to restore a 78-73 advantage. Macalalag’s goaltending-assisted layup made it 78-75, but Acido converted two late free throws to secure the five-point victory.

Acido finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals while consistently influencing possessions beyond his scoring. Akowe added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, giving UST dependable interior production throughout another demanding second half.

“After nung loss namin sa UP, talagang we have to work on yung mga mistakes na nangyari sa first game namin. Matagal namin itong pinaghandaan, so very thankful kami na nakuha namin yung panalo this game,” Acido said.

Tigers Receive Balanced Production

Landyn Jumawan contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals, providing important secondary production behind UST’s two leading performers. Acido’s creation and Akowe’s interior presence gave the Tigers different options when La Salle increased its defensive pressure late.

La Salle Finds Production but Falls Short

Vhoris Marasigan led La Salle with 16 points, although 11 came before halftime as UST limited his second-half production. Cortez remained active across several areas but shot three-of-13, finishing with 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Earl Abadam also scored 13 points on five-of-14 shooting, while Pablo and Macalalag contributed 10 points apiece for La Salle. Rookie Joaquin Tovera followed his impressive Season 89 debut with four points on two-of-five shooting against the Growling Tigers.

Green Archers’ Leading Contributors

• Vhoris Marasigan — 16 points, including 11 during the opening half before UST limited his production after halftime.
• Jacob Cortez — 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three steals while shooting three-of-13 from the field.
• Earl Abadam — 13 points on five-of-14 shooting as La Salle searched for consistent secondary offense throughout the game.
• Luis Pablo — 10 points while helping generate La Salle’s fourth-quarter comeback through aggressive attacks and trips to the line.
• JC Macalalag — 10 points, including the late three-pointer that pulled La Salle within 74-73 with 1:27 remaining.

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Asian Games Break Gives Teams Time to Reset

Both teams now enter a two-week break as several players prepare to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games. La Salle’s Doy Dungo and Pablo join UST’s Koji Buenaflor and former Tiger Nic Cabañero in men’s 3×3 competition.

UST returns September 30 against University of the East at 3 p.m., while La Salle meets Far Eastern University afterward. The pause gives both 1-1 teams additional preparation time after two competitive games revealed several early-season strengths and weaknesses.

UST and La Salle Return September 30

UST can use the break to reinforce late-game execution, while La Salle has time to address offensive efficiency and defensive consistency. Both programs return with identical records, leaving their opening results as useful evidence rather than definitive measures of Season 89 potential.

Analytical Breakdown: Composure Secured the Win

UST showed meaningful progress by staying composed after La Salle erased most of its nine-point fourth-quarter advantage. Acido’s decision-making and Akowe’s interior presence gave the Tigers dependable options when late-game pressure disrupted their offensive rhythm. Defending penetration without fouling remains important because stronger opponents can repeatedly exploit bonus situations to erase UST’s leads quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the UST vs La Salle UAAP Season 89 game?

UST defeated De La Salle University, 80-75, to secure its first victory of the UAAP Season 89 tournament.

How many points did Amiel Acido score against La Salle?

Acido led UST with 19 points while adding seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in the victory.

How did Collins Akowe perform against La Salle?

Akowe recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while also collecting three steals for the Growling Tigers.

Who led La Salle in scoring against UST?

Vhoris Marasigan led the Green Archers with 16 points, although 11 of those came during the first half.

When will UST and La Salle play next?

UST faces UE on September 30 at 3 p.m., while La Salle meets FEU at 5:30 p.m. afterward.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from The Varsitarian.