Tigers tame Tamaraws to go 5-1 — their best start in 10 years

The UST Growling Tigers achieved their best season start in a decade by defeating the FEU Tamaraws 92-80 in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, October 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena. This victory improved UST's record to 5-1, tying them with the NU Bulldogs at the top of the standings, while FEU dropped to 1-5.

UST's offense was led by Kyle Paranada, who scored 19 points on efficient 7-of-8 shooting, with Nic Cabañero and Gelo Cristomo each adding 14 points. The game saw early back-and-forth action, with UST taking an 18-11 lead after a 9-2 run, but FEU stayed competitive, narrowing the gap to 25-21 by the end of the first quarter.

FEU briefly gained a two-point advantage in the second quarter, leading 40-38, but UST reduced the deficit to one point at halftime, 47-46, after a triple by Forthsky Padrigao. In the third quarter, UST reclaimed the lead with a 7-0 run, entering the final period ahead 63-62.

The fourth quarter featured a decisive surge by UST, as they broke a 68-all tie with a 12-5 run to lead 80-73. FEU mounted a final push to close within two points at 82-80, but UST sealed the win with a 10-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back triples from Cristomo, ending the game 92-80.

For FEU, Janrey Pasaol led with 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, while Mo Konateh contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. UST will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, October 18, at the Araneta Coliseum to conclude Round 1 of the tournament.