UAAP: Huge third quarter propels UST past slumping Ateneo

UST’s Amiel Acido in action against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, October 17, 2026 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. UAAP MediaMANILA — University of Santo Tomas leaned on a huge third quarter to take down Ateneo de Manila University, 80-68, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.

The Growling Tigers protected their home court at the Quadricentennial Pavilion and improved to 4-3 to end the first round of the competition.

Ateneo, meanwhile, suffered a third straight loss for a 3-4 slate.

After settling for a slim 34-32 lead at the half, the Tigers opened the third period with 15 unanswered points to seize control, 49-32.

They wound up out-scoring the Blue Eagles 29-10 in the pivotal frame to carry a 63-42 lead into the final quarter — good enough to weather Ateneo’s flurry in the closing period.