All-Around Performance Gives UST Another Option in Playoff Chase
Kristian Porter delivered his strongest UST performance yet, providing encouragement for the Growling Tigers despite their third consecutive defeat. UST dropped to 4-6, but Porter’s all-around production offered another option during a critical stretch of its Final Four chase.
Kristian Porter Breaks Through Despite UST Defeat
Dominic Adrian Veloso of Tiebreaker Times highlighted Porter’s emergence following UST’s latest UAAP Season 89 defeat against National University. The former Ateneo forward produced eight points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal across only 18:53 of action.
Porter also posted a team-best +14 plus-minus, providing another notable number from his most productive performance with the Growling Tigers. He entered the NU matchup averaging only 1.38 points and 1.63 rebounds across his first eight Season 89 appearances.
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Former Ateneo Forward Makes Most of Bigger Opportunity
Porter credited UST’s coaching staff and teammates for maintaining confidence in him before his opportunity expanded against National University. He hopes to reproduce that performance throughout UST’s remaining games while contributing wherever the Growling Tigers require additional production.
“Siyempre, masaya ako na binigyan ako ng chance nila coach. May tiwala naman yung teammates ko sa akin. Sana sa mga remaining games, mailabas ko yung ganitong laro para maitulong ko sa team namin,” the former Blue Eagle told Tiebreaker Times.
Porter Helps UST While Defenses Focus on Akowe
Porter’s emergence arrives while UST continues searching for additional production around Collins Akowe during its three-game losing streak. Porter said opposing teams prioritize preventing Akowe from receiving possession, creating responsibilities for teammates surrounding the Growling Tigers’ interior presence.
Akowe’s offensive involvement has remained important even when opponents successfully prevent him from producing his usual scoring numbers. Porter specifically credited Akowe for finding teammates and following coaching instructions whenever defenses prevent him from attacking comfortably.
Tigers Receive Eight Points, Six Rebounds and Six Assists
Porter’s eight points represented a considerable increase from his 1.38-point average across his first eight appearances this season. His six rebounds and six assists provided additional production during 18:53 of action against the Bulldogs.
“Siyempre, Collins being Collins, aabangan yan ng lahat ng teams, kailangan hindi siya makahawak ng bola. Even though he’s not really playing his game, he’s helping, and through the mga instructions ng coaches, kahit hindi siya maka-score, he looks for us,” Porter shared.
Crisostomo Absence Opens Larger Role for UST Reserves
UST remains without co-captain Gelo Crisostomo after he suffered a partial right ACL sprain during the first-round La Salle matchup. His continued absence has increased responsibilities for other Growling Tigers during the closing portion of the Season 89 elimination round.
Porter identified himself and sophomore Koji Buenaflor among the players attempting to cover responsibilities left by Crisostomo’s continued absence. Their approach follows UST’s next-man-up mentality as the Tigers search for contributions throughout their remaining elimination-round schedule.
Porter and Buenaflor Embrace Next-Man-Up Responsibility
Porter said he and Buenaflor accepted greater responsibility after learning Crisostomo would remain unavailable for the Growling Tigers. Both players are attempting to contribute during his absence while fulfilling the roles assigned by UST’s coaching staff.
“Sa team namin, we have a next man up mentality. Nung nalaman namin na hindi pa nakakabalik si Gelo, kami ni Koji, we had to take it to ourselves na we have to fill in yung hole na iniwan ni Gelo. We have to perform the way he performs. We have to fill that gap, and sana naman, we can fulfill our roles doing that,” Porter said.
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UST Falls to 4-6 After Third Consecutive Defeat
UST’s third consecutive defeat dropped the Growling Tigers to 4-6 and solo seventh place during the Season 89 elimination round. National University’s frontcourt provided much of the damage, with three Bulldogs combining for 43 of their team’s 75 total points.
Mo Diassana, PJ Palacielo, and Kenshin Padrones accounted for those 43 points during another difficult result for the Growling Tigers. NU also controlled the rebounding battle, 37-29, while handing UST its third consecutive defeat during the second round.
NU Frontcourt Controls Scoring and Rebounding Battle
Diassana, Palacielo, and Padrones combined for 43 points, accounting for more than half of National University’s scoring against UST. The Bulldogs also finished with a 37-29 rebounding advantage, providing another measurable difference during the Growling Tigers’ latest defeat.
Four Remaining Games Leave UST Little Margin
UST enters its final four elimination-round games carrying a 4-6 record after three consecutive defeats during its second-round schedule. The remaining stretch leaves the Growling Tigers seeking immediate victories while attempting to remain competitive within the Season 89 Final Four race.
Porter’s expanded contribution gives UST another rotation option after his statistical production increased significantly during the loss against National University. His eight points, six rebounds, and six assists represented substantial increases from the limited production across his previous eight appearances.
Porter Wants Tigers to Turn Losses Into Motivation
Porter believes UST’s recent defeats have increased the team’s desire to reverse its results during the remaining elimination-round games. The former Ateneo forward hopes that motivation becomes visible when the Growling Tigers return for their next Season 89 assignment.
“Overall, para sa team namin, kahit talo kami, each loss is just making us hungrier and making us want to get that win more than anything. I hope na sa next game namin, mailalabas namin yung gutom na ‘yon.”
Analytical Breakdown: Porter’s Versatility Eases Pressure on Akowe
Porter’s six assists stand out because UST needs another dependable decision-maker when defenses concentrate attention around Akowe inside. His rebounding and passing provide valuable versatility, allowing UST to create offense without requiring Porter to become a high-volume scorer. Porter’s expanded role could strengthen UST, but improved rebounding and immediate victories remain essential during its shrinking Final Four window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kristian Porter perform against NU?
Porter recorded eight points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 18:53 while posting a team-best +14 plus-minus.
What is UST’s UAAP Season 89 record?
UST dropped to 4-6 after suffering its third consecutive defeat, leaving the Growling Tigers alone in seventh place.
Why is Gelo Crisostomo unavailable?
Crisostomo suffered a partial right ACL sprain during UST’s first-round matchup against De La Salle University.
What were Porter’s averages before the NU game?
Porter averaged 1.38 points and 1.63 rebounds across his first eight appearances before his stronger performance against National University.
How many elimination games does UST have remaining?
UST has four elimination-round games remaining as the Growling Tigers continue pursuing a UAAP Season 89 Final Four place.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
