Last in UAAP Season 88 for free throw percentage, the UST Growling Tigers shot above their average in the win over UE.
The UST Growling Tigers were clicking on all cylinders en route to victory over the UE Red Warriors, 109-97, to revive their Final Four hopes in UAAP Season 88 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Out of all the records on the stat sheet, one in particular stood out for the coaching staff, players, and fans of UST — free throw shooting.
The Growling Tigers struggled from the free throw line in recent games, including their one-point loss to UP where they missed 22 free throws, going 28/52.
Before their game against UE, UST was seen practicing foul shots as a team.
For rookie ace Collins Akowe, who finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, and one block, there was some improvement at the line — especially for himself, making more than half of his free throws in the game against the Red Warriors.
“Basically, the last game I shot, 10 for 20. We've been working hard today in terms of free throws. It's not an individual effort. After practice, before practice, we stay locked in, we shoot free throws together as a team, not individually. We want that unity,” Akowe said after the game.
The Nigerian center was a big part of UST’s 61.5 percent free throw percentage, which is above their average. It became more important as the Red Warriors chased down the Growling Tigers late in the ballgame.
After leading by as many as 27 points late in the third quarter, UST needed to fend off its foes to break a four-game losing slump.
‘Momentum boost’
While UST’s win over UE only counts as one, the Growling Tigers have now created some semblance of breathing room in the middle of the standings with their 6-5 slate.
With all teams except NU and UE still in contention for a spot in the semis, the Growling Tigers really needed all the wins they can get — even if it did come with a few points for improvement.
For Akowe, UST will just need to keep their head down and work together to pull through.
“I would call this a momentum boost for us going into our other games. I'll give credit to my teammates and my coaches. Through the tough times, we stayed together in one unity,” said Akowe.
“Kudos to everyone for showing up today and doing our thing. Hopefully, we're going to come out in the other games and do our thing,” he continued.
The UST Growling Tigers are back on track for their hunt of the Final Four in UAAP Season 88. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
UST returns to action on Saturday, November 15, against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.