MANILA, Philippines — It did not take long for Santo Tomas to barge back into the winner’s column.
Behind a strong finishing kick, the Tigers hacked out a gutsy 67-64 win to add to the piling woes of struggling title contender National U in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Forthsky Padrigao, whether scoring or assisting, led a clutch 14-4 breakaway to seal the deal as Santo Tomas quickly avenged its lone loss against Adamson, 69-56, to firm up grip of the third spot at 3-1.
Reigning champion La Salle and host University of the Philippines, with similar 3-0 slates, are the only teams ahead of the Tigers in an impressive season turnaround after a last-place finish last year.
“A win is a win,” said coach Pido Jarencio, who surpassed his two-win campaign last season in the first year of his rebuilding phase for the team he last towed to a UAAP title in 2006.
Later, Ateneo (1-3) clipped Adamson (2-2), 60-51, to finally earn first win following its worst start in 11 years.
Captain Chris Koon returned from an ankle sprain injury for eight points while Shawn Tuano led with 11 for the Blue Eagles after losses to leaders UP, La Salle and Santo Tomas.