UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas salvaged a 1-1 draw to De La Salle to remain within the top four range in the UAAP men's football tournament yesterday at the UP Football Stadium.

The Golden Booters conceded a penalty in the first-half stoppage time as Ghana's Franck Anoh scored his fifth goal of the season for the Green Booters.

Tarsish Garciano was able to restore parity in the 61st minute for UST level.

De La Salle failed to regain the lead until full time and earned a second straight draw.

The Green Booters now have eight points, one clear of the Golden Booters.

"A draw is not bad kahit nag-drop kami ng two points kasi magkasunod kami ng La Salle at may second round pa naman. Hopefully we will learn from our mistakes," said UST coach Marjo Allado.

Playing under a searing 2 p.m. heat is not a major factor for both sides.  

"Yung first half, parang yung laro namin hindi siya nasa expectations namin. Sobrang not aggressive, lagi kaming talo sa first to the ball, tapos maraming bad passes," said Allado.

"Second half, nag-pick up yung game namin in the last 30 minutes. At least yung isang opportunity, na-convert namin," he added.

UST will wrap up its first round campaign against holders Far Eastern University on Sunday, the same day fabled rivals De La Salle and Ateneo collide.