Pasaol, Manalang combine for 52 as Warriors keep Tigers winless

UST's Jon Macasaet couldn't stop UE's Alvin Pasaol as he led the Warriors to victory. Photo: KC Cruz

The UE Red Warriors had four players in double figures as they registered their first win of the season after defeating the UST Growling Tigers, 96-91, on Saturday.

Alvin Pasaol followed up his career-high 49-point performance against the DLSU Green Archers with a 32-point performance against UST. The burly scorer also had 10 boards, two steals, and two assists, while shooting 48 percent from the field.

But in this game, it was Pasaol's teammate Philip Manalang who registered a new career high, hitting 20 points with seven assists and two steals.

Mark Olayon and Jason Varilla also chipped in 15 markers each, as UE hit a high 48 percent from the field.

"Sobrang laking tiwala nila saken. Sabi nila go-to guy, pero di naman siguro ganun kasi lahat kami nagko-contribute," said Pasaol after the game. "Bawal kasi kay Manong [Derek] yung isa lang. Hindi kami mananalo kung ako lang mag-isa. Nanalo kami dahil nagtutulungan kami."

It was the first time in the Final Four era that the Growling Tigers finished the first round of the eliminations without a victory.

Nevertheless, it was a team effort as well for the Tigers, who had five players in double figures. Marvin Lee led his squad with 20 points off the bench, while Steve Akomo added 19. Jordan Sta. Ana and Jeepy Faundo chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Eric Caunan scored 12. — DVM, GMA News