Acido’s clutch free throws secure UST win over La Salle

University of Santo Tomas survived a furious fourth-quarter rally from defending champion De La Salle University to secure an 80-75 victory on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Growling Tigers took an early 24-16 lead and stayed ahead, bringing a 45-40 advantage into halftime.

UST remained in front, 61-56, after three quarters before La Salle made its push in the final period.

Collins Akowe gave the Tigers their biggest lead at 72-63 with 5:23 remaining, but the Green Archers quickly trimmed the deficit behind veterans Jacob Cortez and Luis Pablo.

Mark Llemit was able to respond with a bank shot to restore UST’s four-point cushion, but JC Macalalag kept La Salle within striking distance with a corner three at the 1:27 mark, cutting the gap to 74-73.

Akowe then delivered another important basket with 25.2 seconds left, putting UST ahead, 76-73.

A goaltending call brought La Salle within a point, 76-75, before Amiel Acido stepped to the line and knocked down crucial free throws to put the Tigers ahead, 78-75.

Acido finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Akowe posted 18 points and 10 rebounds. Landyn Jumawan added 10 points for UST.

Vhoris Marasigan led La Salle with 16 points, while Cortez and Earl Abadam had 13 apiece. Luis Pablo and Macalalag each contributed 10 points. UST moves to 1-1 in Season 89, while La Salle drops to the same mark.

The Tigers return on September 30 against UE, with the Green Archers are set to face UAAP Season 89 hosts FEU. Both teams now stand at 1-1.

The Scores:

UST 80 – Acido 19, Akowe 18, Junawan 10, Esteban 9, Llemit 6, Buenaflor 5, D. Sevilla 4, Cañete 4, Porter 3, Crisostomo 2, Alao 0, Manding 0, Danting 0

DLSU 75 – Marasigan 16, Cortez 13, Abadam 13, Pablo 10, Macalalag 10, Dungo 5, Tovera 4, Amos 2, Kulang 2, Gagate 0, Sardon 0, Daep 0

Quarterscores: 24-16, 45-40, 61-56, 80-75

PHOTO CREDITS: UAAP Season 89 Media Team