Daquioag bails Tigers out; Tams joint leader

Games on Saturday (MOA Arena)

2 p.m. – UP vs AdU

4 p.m. – NU vs UE

Games on Sunday (Smart Araneta Coliseum).

11 a.m. – FEU vs AdMU

4 p.m. – UST vs DLSU

MANILA, Philippines - Ed Daquioag dished out an MVP-like performance, banging in 34 big points to power University of Santo Tomas to an 83-76 victory over University of the East yesterday and into the top of the standings halfway through the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament first round elims at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Daquioag poured in 12 points in the fourth quarter as he nearly single-handedly brought the Tigers out of trouble against the rallying Warriors, helping them secure a leading 6-1 for their best since a similar first-round card in 2012.

“I’m no longer surprised by Daquioag’s showing, having seen that as early as last year, though he just got injured then. He’s a naturally explosive player,” said UST coach Bong de la Cruz, whose wards easily surpassed their five-win showing last year.

Far Eastern U got back at last year’s finals tormentor National U, 61-59, to stay in step with UST. The Bulldogs saw their three-game streak snap and slid to 3-4.

Mike Tolomia drained back-to-back treys to give the Tams a 58-52 cushion then Mac Belo, Prinze Orizu and Francis Tamsi delivered down the stretch to hand FEU its fifth consecutive triumph.

Daquioag’s output was the highest for a UST player since Dylan Ababou fired 30 in 2009. Daquioag also issued six assists and grabbed four boards.

The Tigers stormed to a 16-point tear in the second period and still held a 56-46 tear halfway through the third. But the Warriors, with their press causing UST troubles, battled back to within two with still 1:35 left.

Daquioag then took over, first making a split, then in the next offensive converting a twisting lay-up to restore a 79-71 cushion going to the last 43.3 seconds.

“I want to play in the PBA after this so I’m trying my best to raise my level of play here,” said the graduating Daquioag in Filipino.