Tigers bare fangs, outlast Eagles in a classic triple overtime
Published Oct 11, 2025 08:25 pm
At A Glance
- In a classic game that saw nine lead changes and seven deadlocks including a 85-all score in the last 37 seconds of the third extended period, the Growling Tigers seized the opportunity and capitalized on the absence of Jared Bahay by launching a decisive 10-0 run led by the clutch trio of Collins Akowe, Nic Cabañero and Kyle Paranada, whose key baskets sealed the win.
Nic Cabañero steps up in the crunch for UST. (UAAP Media)
Tough times bring out the best in the brave.
And on Saturday, Oct. 11, University of Santo Tomas embodied that spirit of resilience, grinding out a hard-fought 98-89 triple overtime victory over Ateneo in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
In a classic game that saw nine lead changes and seven deadlocks including an 85-all score in the last 37 seconds of the third extended period, the Growling Tigers seized the opportunity and capitalized on the absence of Jared Bahay by launching a decisive 10-0 run led by the clutch trio of Collins Akowe, Nic Cabañero and Kyle Paranada, whose key baskets sealed the win.
The win hiked UST’s record to 4-1, while the Blue Eagles suffered their back-to-back losses in front of their home crowd for 4-2.
Bahay, who had been instrumental in pushing Ateneo into the extra periods, was sidelined to an apparent shoulder injury, leaving the Blue Eagles without their go-to guy in the most crucial moments.
It was a big break for the España-based squad as the 5-foot-9 guard had saved Ateneo several times with his cold-blooded triples in the crunchtime.
Despite playing almost 44 minutes, Cabañero hasn’t shown any signs of fatigue after sparking the Tigers’ fight and finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Akowe was equally unstoppable in 51 minutes of action, as the 6-foot-10 Nigerian posted a double-double performance of 20 points and 19 rebounds on top of three steals, three blocks and one assist.
Forthsky Padrigao, who had multiple game-winning attempts, also registered 20 points in his return to his former alma mater.
"May advantage din sila dahil home court nila, pero 'di na namin inisip 'yon eh. Home court namin or home court nila, ang iniisip lang talaga namin is kayang-kaya namin manalo for this game,” said Cabañero.
Paranada and Gelo Crisostomo were also for the Tigers, adding five and 18 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kyami Ladi endured a rough shooting night for Ateneo, finishing with 14 points on just 4-of-21 from the field. Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano provided support with 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Divine Adili and Ian Espinosa combined for 10 points -- all of which went down the drain.
In a duel that carried a Final Four atmosphere and showcased a clash of elite playmakers,
Padrigao flashed his brilliance early as he kept UST alive in regulation. But Bahay stole the spotlight with a pocket pass to Josh Lazaro to give Ateneo an 85-84 lead in the second overtime.
However, that would be the last time his brilliance showed on the court, as an injury forced the coaches to pull him out before the third overtime.
From there, UST launched its final assault en route to the win.
The scores:
UST (98) - Cabañero 22, Padrigao 20, Akowe 20, Crisostomo 18, Llemit 7, Paranada 5, Acido 4, Buenaflor 2, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Danting 0, Laure 0.
Ateneo (89) - Bahay 17, Ladi 14, Escobar 13, Tuano 12, Adili 10, Espinosa 9, Lazo 8, Lazaro 4, Bongo 2, Espina 0, Fjellvang 0.
Quarterscores: 20-28, 33-37, 55-53, 66-66, 74-74, 85-85, 98-89.