MANILA -- The University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers survived the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 93-88, during Thursday’s men’s basketball action in the 72nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers came up with big numbers early in the game to notch a much-important fifth win.

UST, however, had to cling on its lead against the tenacious UP to secure the victory.

Dylan Ababou scored 16 of his 23 points in the opening period as the Tigers broke from a 5-5 deadlock and zoom ahead, 28-13.

UST widened the gap as Clark Bautista rattled in 12 second quarter points, all coming from beyond the arc.

The lead ballooned to as much as 31 by the end of the first half, 58-27.

However, the Maroons did not go down without a fight.

Behind 14 third quarter points from Alvin Padilla, who was the recipient of a sucker punch from UST enforcer Marco Cam, UP launched a daring comeback in the third quarter to slice the lead down to 16 points going into the payoff period.

Cam was ejected and was automatically slapped a suspension for the punch.

UP continued to score in the final quarter as Woody Co ignited a 14-5 run to threaten UST at 87-92, just 8.1 ticks left.

Co, however, missed two of his three charities after he was fouled from beyond the arc following a split charity by Ababou.

“A win is still a win.  Ang sakit lang sa mata.  Hindi kami tatagal kung ganito ang laro namin,” said a disappointed UST coach Pido Jarencio, whose team has to face league-leader Ateneo De Manila University (8-1) on Sunday.

The win moved UST in a tie with University of the East at 5-4, a full game ahead of De La Salle University (4-5).  By Alder T. Almo