UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas has never won against Ateneo since Tab Baldwin took over in Katipunan.
Until Wednesday.
And the Growling Tigers needed someone who played under Baldwin to pull off the feat as Forthsky Padrigao somewhat exorcised the demons of his past to guide his new home to a 74-64 victory over the Blue Eagles.
READ: Padrigao up for the challenge when he faces old squad Ateneo
Him having another atrocious shooting night, going 2-of-11 from the field, was evened out by his exceptional playmaking as he dished out nine assists to go with his six points and three rebounds.
Instead, it was the big men who got the bulk of the scoring as Mo Tounkara and Gelo Crisostomo scored 16 points apiece to keep UST unscathed through two games in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
But more than the scoring, it's the defense which did the job for the Growling Tigers, keeping the Blue Eagles cuffed for seven crucial minutes in the payoff period as the Espana side strung 16 straight points to take a 72-60 lead that left the blue side of Smart Araneta Coliseum stunned.
The 2-0 start is UST's best since Season 82, and this is its first win against Ateneo since 2015.
Many believe that this triumph can be seen as a statement game of sorts, but coach Pido Jarencio isn't willing to gloat at his team's immaculate record just yet.
"Malayo pa ito. Two wins pa lang. May second round pa," he said. "Pero nakakapondo na kami ng panalo para pagdating ng second round na bakbakan na lalo, may baon na kami."
Joshua Lazaro's 18-point, 10-rebound night was spoiled in the Blue Eagles loss as they dropped to 0-2, their worst start since losing three straight back in 2013.
The Scores:
UST 74 – Tounkara 16, Crisostomo 16, Cabanero 11, Llemit 10, Padrigao 6, Robinson 6, Paranada 5, Acido 3, Lane 1, Manaytay 0, Estacio 0, Pangilinan 0.
ATENEO 64 – Lazaro 18, Tuano 13, Porter 10, Espinosa 8, Quitevis 4, Ong 4, Bahay 3, Espina 2, Balogun 2, Bongo 0, Edu 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 18-19, 37-41, 55-52, 74-64.
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