By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas defeated University of the East, 69-59, Thursday to notch its third straight win in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Senegalese forward Racine Kane led the Tiger Cubs with 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks followed by Gilas Youth standout Joaquin Ludovice, who had 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
UE managed to move within 56-59, with 6:54 remaining, after Ivorian center Jean Bana scored on a layup and Kristoper Lagat sank a triple.
The 6-foot-7 Kane, however, led a 10-3 run to seal the win for the Tiger Cubs.
Kirk Cañete had eight points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Charles Esteban added seven points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks for UST.
Ethan Aguas and Bana scored 15 points each for UE, which took its second loss in four outings. Aguas also had 14 rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Bana made seven rebounds, five blocks, and two steals.
Edry Alejandro contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and one block, while Lance Sabroso had 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
In the other game, Far Eastern University-Diliman demolished University of the Philippines Integrated School, 84-60, to join UST in second place at 3-1.
Liam Salangsang fired five triples to finish with 16 points to go with four rebounds, two assists and two steals as the Tamaraws bounced back from a 58-78 loss to the National University Nazareth School Bullpups last Sunday.
Marc Burgos and Jheremy Godoy added 15 points each followed by Cabs Cabonilas with 12 points and Mico Pascual with 10.
Bruce Tubongbanua and Rocco Melicor scored 16 points each for UPIS. (PNA)
