30/10/2025
NASAYO NA BINITAWAN MO PA
October 30, 2025 — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers collapsed late in the fourth, extending their losing streak to three against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 96-97, in the second round of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City on Wednesday, October 29.
The Growling Tigers’ late-game meltdown, doomed by 16 costly turnovers and 17-of-27 shooting from the line, was the biggest factor of their loss against the Soaring Falcons.
The opening half was a back-and-forth showdown, UST’s balanced offense managed to keep pace against AdU’s scorching attacks, fueled by Guard Matthew Montebon’s three-point baskets, consequently closing the half with Adamson at top, 42-47.
Fresh from halftime, UST’s backcourt duo Kyle Paranada and Forthsky Padrigao elevated the Tiger’s offense with their perimeter shooting. Despite Adamson Big Man Cedric Manzano’s paint presence, the Tigers defense limited the Falcons to just 12 points, giving UST a cushion entering the last quarter, 64-58.
The Growling Tigers built a double-digit lead behind the beyond the arc shooting of key bench pieces Mark Llemit and Amiel Acio, carrying their momentum from the third quarter. In response, Soaring Falcon’s Guard Ray Allen Torres showcased his scoring prowess, preventing his squad from sinking.
Adamson's trap on Paranada paid off, with UST ahead 89-86, forcing a costly turnover with 7.0 seconds left on the clock that resulted in a game-tying three-point basket by Montebon, forcing overtime (OT), 88-88.
After a thrilling exchange between both teams in the OT period, UST Center Collins Akowe sinks two-free throws, giving the Tigers a glimmer of hope at reclaiming the win. But Adamson Guard Matty Erolon had other plans, burying the game-winning three-pointer, sending the Tigers home with a heartbreaking loss, 96-97.
With the loss, the Tigers fall to a three-game losing streak, sliding to the middle of the standings, a far cry from their early-season hopes of being title contenders.
Seeking to bounce back, the Growling Tigers set their sights on repeating against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, on November 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Written by John Patrick Andrade
