The University of Santo Tomas (UST) survived a defiant Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) side with a 98–89 triple-overtime thriller at the Ateneo Blue Eagles Gym in Katipunan on Saturday.
Nic Cabañero led the Tigers with 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Forthsky Padrigao and Collins Akowe added 20 points each, while Gelo Crisostomo contributed 18 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and one block. Mark Llemit chipped in seven points, two rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The game was a grind from start to finish, ending regulation tied at 66–66, then 74–74 after the first overtime, and 85–85 after the second, before UST finally pulled away in the third extra period to seal the win at 98–89.
Jared Bahay paced Ateneo with 17 points, followed by Kymani Ladi with 14, Dominic Escobar with 13, and Shawn Tuano with 12.
With the result, UST improved to 4–1, sharing the lead with NU Bulldogs, while Ateneo fell to 4–2.
After the exhausting encounter, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin praised both teams for their effort but did not hide his disappointment with the officiating.
“There’s a third team out there, and I thought their performance was disgusting,” Baldwin said in frustration during the postgame press conference.
Though he declined to elaborate further, Baldwin’s statement came after a game marked by multiple controversial calls down the stretch. His comments echoed the sentiments of many Ateneo supporters who voiced displeasure online.
Still, Baldwin took time to acknowledge the grit and character displayed by both sides.
“You can’t be anything but proud of both teams,” he said. “Our guys played on fumes, gave everything they had — that’s what matters most.”
He also commended the organizers and the venue, calling the event a success.
“I think this is a wonderful stadium. I think everybody’s enjoyed it,” Baldwin added. “It was a tremendous occasion. I give credit to the UAAP for putting it all together and to the people here at Ateneo for rushing the job and getting it finished in time.” (JNV)
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