MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas’ redemption campaign is going without a hitch so far after overcoming its biggest challenge yet in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The Growling Tigers improved to a 2-0 card after snapping a 17-game losing streak against Ateneo with a dominant 74-64 triumph on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Mo Tounkara overcame a rough first half while Gelo Crisostomo, who already had 11 points, kept UST on pace with the Blue Eagles in that half.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

Tounkara, who finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Crisostomo, 16 points as well and 10 rebounds–which are both career-bests–came up with all-around performances for UST.

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Coach Pido on sustaining their 2-0 start and Padrigao on hearing the Ateneo hymn anew after helping UST end a long losing streak. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/iLmV5slBnR

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 11, 2024

“It’s all about the players. For me, we just provide guidance. They’re the ones who won the game. It was a total team effort from the coaches, as you can see,” coach Pido Jarencio said.

“Actually, we started slow. In the first half, our movement was sluggish, and the players felt heavy. We’re used to practicing at 1 PM, so imagine playing at 7 in the evening,” he added.

UST plauer Forthsky Padrigao and Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin hug it out after their UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball clash. UST beat Ateneo 74-64. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

Nic Cabañero did not have the best night but still created 11 points, six rebounds and four assists while Mark Llemit was perfect from the field on the way to 11 points.

Both Forth Padrigao and Geremy Robinson added six points with the former Ateneo guard also pitching in nine assists.

“Our team is focused. We’re well-prepared for every game. It just came down to the breaks of the game. We gained momentum, especially in the fourth quarter, and it kept going. Forthsky, the team’s leader, was directing the plays and controlling the game,” Jarencio said.

READ: UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao hopes to help UST build winning culture

Although the Blue Eagles managed to gain the lead at the half and looked poised to take the game with the advantage in the payoff frame despite the absence of captain Chris Koon due to a left ankle sprain.

They squandered all of those with the tight defense of UST paired with a blistering 16-0 run by the Tigers.

The Blue Eagles dropped to a 0-2 record, their worst start under coach Tab Baldwin since 2013, after also opening the season with a loss to University of the Philippines last Saturday.

Joshua Lazaro’s double-double performance of 18 points and 10 rebounds for Ateneo went for naught. Shawn Tuano contributed 13 points while Kristian Porter added 10 points and nine rebounds.

UST will try to keep its winning streak alive against Adamson on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena where Ateneo will look to turn things around, although difficult, against longtime rival La Salle.