ANTIPOLO -- University of Santo Tomas got itself going from deep to drub Far Eastern University, 82-74, in the UAAP Season 82 Men's Basketball Tournament Sunday at Ynares Center here.
Sherwin Concepcion ignited the Growling Tigers' explosion had after missing their first seven attempts in the first quarter to rally back from a 36-24 hole as the rookie out of Mapua connected on four of his eight shots from deep to finish with 12 points.
Concepcion waxed hot in the second half where he helped UST break away and before adding one more to open the fourth quarter and grab a 67-55 lead.
"They responded to my challenge that they have to show up," said Ayo as the Growling Tigers shot 10-of-36 from downtown.
Soulemane Chabi Yo topped UST with a double-double in the tune of his 21 points and 15 rebounds, while neophyte Mark Nonoy garnered 11 points and six rebounds.
Renzo Subido also chipped 11 points and five assists, as Rhenz Abando contributed 10 points and three rebounds to help the Espana side improve to a 4-2 card.
"Good way to bounce back yung last namin na talo. Lahat ng mali namin sa last game, we took them out, we tried to correct those mistakes. Iโm just grateful na we were able to adjust," said Ayo.
Wendell Comboy and Brandrey Bienes still kept the fire alive for FEU, cutting the deficit down to just five, 75-70, with 58.7 seconds remaining, but those hopes were immediately dashed when Barkley Ebona pulled Subido's shoulders that merited an unsportsmanlike foul.
That was the opening UST needed, icing the game at the charity stripe as it shot 7-of-8 in that final minute.
The Tamaraws continued their inconsistent campaign to fall to 2-3 in the standings.
L-Jay Gonzales poured 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists to pace FEU, as Xyrus Torres had 14 points on a 4-of-8 shooting from threes.
UST plays its final game of the round on Saturday, September 28 against the DLSU Green Archers at 2:00 pm. FEU, on the other hand, plays its penultimate game of the round against the NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 25.
The Scores:
UST 82 -- Chabi Yo 21, Concepcion 12, Nonoy 11, Subido 11, Abando 10, Bataller 8, Paraiso 3, Ando 2, Cansino 2, Huang 2, Cuajao 0.
FEU 74 -- Gonzales 16, Torres 14, Ebona 11, Comboy 10, Bienes 6, Tuffin 6, Alforque 4, Stockton 4, Nunag 3, Cani 0, Celzo 0, Tchuente 0.
Quarterscores: 14-24, 34-39, 64-55, 82-74.
