MANILA, Philippines— The University of Sto. Thomas Growling Tigers grinded a narrow win over Adamson Soaring Falcons, 61-59, at the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigers were just leading by one point in the final minute, hustling down every possession and getting crucial offensive rebounds as they milked the clock to escape the determined Falcons. The Growling Tigers dominated the offensive glass with 20 offensive rebounds in the entire game.
Louie Vigil paced UST with 13 points, making a crucial go-ahead basket in the final two minutes, he also had eight rebounds. The Falcons had a last chance for the win but William Polican missed the potential game winning 3-pointer as time expires.
UST Team Captain Aljon Mariano made one-out of-two in his free throws with 7.3 seconds left to take away the win. Ed Daquioag also scored 11 points while point guard Jon Sheriff contributed with an all around play with seven points, five boards, three assists and six steals to help the growling Tigers snap their three-game losing streak, which improved their record to 4-4.
Adamson Jansen Rios had a career high 22 points, to led the Falcons and Veteran forward Don Trollano had a double-double with 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a losing effort. Adamson now lost its all 8th games and remain winless in the season.