Ballesteros-coached Tigers hold off Blazers in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are back on the winning track last Sunday in the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament at the Far Eastern University gymnasium in Morayta, Manila.

The Estong Ballesteros-mentoredTigers got big baskets from Kim Lo and Ed Daquioag as they held off the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 84-74.

The Espana-based squad bounced back from a 55-61 upset to the University of the Philippines Maroons, and joined the University of Perpetual Help-A Altas and the Lyceum Philippines University A Pirates in posting big wins as well.

The Tigers, getting 22 and 21 points from Lo and Daquioag, picked up their second win in three games in Group B.

Earl Thompson shot 17 points for the Altas as they fended off the San Sebastian College-A Stags, 74-63, while Aziz Faycal Mbomiko unloaded 22 points in leading the Pirates in turning back the UP Maroons, 83-77.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the top four finishers in the two brackets with make it to the quarterfinal round of this cagefest, which is supported by Twin Towers Bakery.

 Thompson hit 11 points in the fourth period as the Altas went on to end the game with an 11-point advantage, and pick up their third straight in Group B.

The Pirates notched their third triumph in four outings in to move behind the unbeaten Altas-A side.

In other matches, JRU-B got 16 points from Schever Benavides in edging the Mapua Cardinals for their first win in two outings. Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help-B Altas outplayed San Sebastian College-B, 63-47.

In the women’s side, Ruthlaine Tacula made 15 points for University of the East as they brushed past Far Eastern University, 57-48.