Sitting in third place, the UST Growling Tigers aim to close the gap on a UAAP Final Four spot in a crucial showdown with the league-leading NU Bulldogs.
UST is on a mission to solidify its Final Four chances, but standing in its way are the top-ranked NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, November 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Serving time is at 4:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
After an eight-day break, the Growling Tigers return with momentum from a hard-fought 67-59 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The win snapped a four-game skid and pushed UST to 7-5, claiming solo third place.
It was also the first time since Season 61 in 1998 that UST swept Ateneo in the eliminations.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST rediscovers identity in second straight win at expense of Ateneo]
Rookie Collins Akowe delivered a monster performance with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, while team captain Nic Cabañero chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Now, UST will need to bring everything they’ve got to overcome NU and boost their Final Four bid in their penultimate assignment.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]