Mall of Asia Battle Highlights Tigers’ Resilience
Mark Llemit delivered when UST needed stability, helping the Growling Tigers survive UE’s furious comeback for another UAAP Season 89 victory. The Tigers escaped with a 98-87 win Wednesday after nearly surrendering a 23-point advantage at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST Survives UE Rally for Second Straight Victory
Luisa Morales of One Sports covered UST’s tense victory after UE threatened a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback at Mall of Asia Arena. The Growling Tigers improved to 2-1 while handing the Red Warriors their 24th consecutive UAAP defeat across multiple seasons.
UST led 52-33 at halftime before eventually building its largest advantage at 61-38 during the third quarter. UE steadily attacked that deficit afterward, setting up a fourth-quarter finish that forced UST to regain control under considerable pressure.
Image from: The Manila Times
Tigers Nearly Waste 23-Point Advantage
Cole Cruz-Dumont’s consecutive layups pulled UE within 83-77 before UST finally interrupted the Red Warriors’ fourth-quarter momentum. Gene Carillo later reduced the margin to 89-83, creating another six-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining.
Mark Llemit Answers During UE Fourth-Quarter Run
Llemit responded whenever UE threatened to complete its comeback, providing timely offense after UST’s commanding advantage nearly disappeared. His jumper stopped another Red Warriors surge before his late three-pointer restored a nine-point cushion for the Growling Tigers.
The forward finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block across 27 minutes. Llemit converted eight of his 13 field-goal attempts, delivering efficient production while carrying greater responsibility during Gelo Crisostomo’s absence.
UST Forward Finishes With 22 Points
Llemit scored 17 of his 22 points before halftime, helping UST establish its commanding 52-33 advantage entering the break. His late three-pointer then pushed the Tigers ahead 92-83 before Collins Akowe helped secure their second consecutive victory.
Llemit Embraces Bigger Role Without Gelo Crisostomo
UST entered the matchup without Crisostomo after the forward aggravated his knee injury during the previous victory over La Salle. His absence required several Growling Tigers to accept expanded responsibilities instead of relying upon one teammate to replace his production.
Llemit emphasized that collective approach after delivering his strongest scoring performance through UST’s opening three Season 89 games. The forward said everyone understood their responsibility to contribute more while Crisostomo remained unavailable for the Growling Tigers.
“Yung sa amin lang is yung lahat naman kami kailangan talaga mag step up eh. So yun lang, ginawa ko lang din yung best ko,” said Llemit.
“Si Gelo kasi, sobrang laking bagay samin yun eh, so naguusap usao kami lahat na parang kailangan namin magstep up and thankful naman na nakuha namin yung win ngayon.”
Tigers Share Responsibility During Injury Absence
Llemit’s increased production received significant support from Akowe, Amiel Acido, Landyn Jumawan, and returning guard Koji Buenaflor against UE. Their combined contributions allowed UST to maintain multiple scoring options while navigating another game without Crisostomo available in its rotation.
Akowe, Acido Strengthen UST Supporting Cast
Acido contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal after another productive performance against La Salle. Akowe recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks, combining interior scoring with another imposing defensive performance around the basket.
Jumawan added 13 points, including three three-pointers, giving UST four double-digit scorers during its second consecutive victory. Buenaflor contributed eight points in 15 minutes during his return after representing Gilas Pilipinas in Asian Games 3×3 competition.
Four Growling Tigers Reach Double Figures
Llemit, Acido, Akowe, and Jumawan combined for 65 points, providing balanced production while Crisostomo remained sidelined by injury. That scoring distribution proved valuable when UE increased defensive pressure and forced UST to find several dependable late-game options.
UST Improves to 2-1 as UE Falls to 0-4
UST secured its second consecutive victory after opening Season 89 with a defeat before responding against La Salle and UE. The Growling Tigers improved to 2-1, while the Red Warriors remained winless and extended their losing streak to 24 games.
Toper Lagat paced UE with 22 points, while Mo Tañedo added 16 and Cole Cruz-Dumont contributed another 12. UST next faces Adamson on Saturday, while UE continues searching for its breakthrough victory against La Salle the following day.
Tigers Turn Attention Toward Adamson
UST meets Adamson on Saturday at PhilSports Arena, seeking its third consecutive victory after surviving UE’s determined second-half comeback. The Tigers carry positive early momentum, but protecting established advantages remains an important concern entering another challenging UAAP assignment.
Recommended Article: NU Beats UP, Forces Three-Way Tie Atop UAAP Standings
Analytical Breakdown: Protecting the Lead Matters
UST’s biggest concern was allowing a commanding advantage to shrink once UE increased pressure and accelerated the game’s tempo. Llemit’s late scoring and Akowe’s interior presence restored control, while Acido’s versatility strengthened UST’s options without Crisostomo. Protecting future leads will require disciplined possessions and sustained defensive intensity rather than becoming cautious after building comfortable margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between UST and UE?
UST defeated UE, 98-87, securing its second consecutive victory during the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Who led UST against UE?
Mark Llemit led the Growling Tigers with 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
How did Collins Akowe perform?
Akowe recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks while providing important late baskets during UST’s fourth-quarter response.
Why did Gelo Crisostomo miss the UE game?
Crisostomo missed the matchup because of a knee injury aggravated during UST’s previous victory against the La Salle Green Archers.
Who does UST play next?
The Growling Tigers face Adamson on Saturday at PhilSports Arena while pursuing their third consecutive UAAP Season 89 victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
