WHOSE house?
University of Santo Tomas stole homecourt from Ateneo in this UAAP Season 88 heavyweight battle to come away with a 98-89 win in a triple-overtime classic on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Growling Tigers and Blue Eagles traded blows all game long before the latter just ran out of gas in the third extra period, ultimately giving the former a share of first in the uber-competitive tournament.
With all eyes on onetime Ateneo lead guard Forthsky Padrigao, his teammates in black-and-gold came to his aid in this exasperating game, as UST went on a 13-2 charge in the third overtime to take a 98-87 lead and ultimately, a 4-1 standing.
Collins Akowe scored five of his 20 points in the rare third extension, to go with 19 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, while Nic Cabanero atoned for his missed game-winners in the first two overtimes to finish with 22 points, 11 boards, three assists, and two steals.
Gelo Crisostomo also broke out of his shell with his hustle plays down the stretch to end up with a double-double of 18 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists in the second straight win to force a tie with National U at the top of the standings.
Tigers growl at BEG
Still, Padrigao was able to play the villain role in Katipunan in this homecoming of sorts.
The former champion who crossed the line to Espana drilled the game-tying trey with 39.9 seconds remaining in regulation to knot the score at 66 and did it once more in the first OT from way out to tie the game at 72 with 2:23 on the clock before giving way to his peers. He wound up with 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists
It's the Thomasians turn to celebrate on the opposing side's home floor in front of 5,373-strong crowd, redeeming themselves from last season's 67-64 home loss to their Katipunan foes at the Quadricentennial Pavilion back in Oct. 19, 2024.
But it had to take a while, as this was the first 3OT game in the men's division in the Final Four era.
Now, the Growling Tigers are perfect through one game at the BEG, the same way that the Blue Eagles are 5-0 at the QPav.
Jared Bahay, however, made things difficult for the visitors, as he nailed big shot after big shot for Ateneo in the extra frames where he unfurled 14 of his 17 points, and even set up Josh Lazaro for the huge pullup jumper that gave the blue-and-white an 85-84 advantage in the last 39.5 seconds in 2OT.
Akowe, though, would tie the game for UST with a split from the line with 31.6 ticks left and force another overtime.
"It was a triple-overtime game, so throw away all the numbers. It was all heart for both teams," said assistant coach Juno Sauler.
The Blue Eagles tasted back-to-back defeats for the first time this season to sink to 4-2.
Kymani Ladi nabbed 14 points and nine rebounds, but suffered from cramps down the stretch and lost grip of the leather in what could have been his winner in the first overtime.
Dom Escobar tallied 13 points, 20 rebounds, and five steals, as Divine Adili chipped in 10 points and 17 boards before fouling out in the second OT.
The Scores:
UST 98 - Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2, Danting 0, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Laure 0.
ATENEO 89 - Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2, Espina 0, Fjellvang 0.
Quarters: 20-28, 33-37, 55-53, 66-66, 74-74, 85-85, 98-89.
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