The UST Growling Tigers will look to bounce back as they take on the FEU Tamaraws in a crucial UAAP Season 87 Round 1 eliminations matchup on October 5 at 4:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tied in fourth place with the Adamson Soaring Falcons for a 3-3 record, UST is eager to climb the standings, and Mo Tounkara will be the focal point of their attack as they look to improve their Final Four hopes.
Tounkara has been a standout for UST this season, currently ranked fourth in the league in scoring with an average of 12.83 points.
In last Wednesday's 80-71 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons, Tounkara was the Growling Tigers’ top performer, leading the way with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting from the field. He also contributed five rebounds and an assist.
UST’s last game was a tale of two halves. The Tigers shot 55% from the field in the first three quarters against UP, but they struggled in the fourth quarter, hitting only 2-of-13 shots.
Tounkara is expected to have strong support from Nic Cabanero, who added 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the loss to UP. Cabanero’s all-around play will be critical, as well as the shooting of Forthsky Padrigao, who ranks third in the league in three-point field goals made and leads in assists with 6.5 per game.
In Season 86, UST only had two wins--both at the expense of FEU.
Can the Growling Tigers repeat this feat vs FEU, bounce back from their recent loss, and stay in the hunt for a Final Four berth?
All eyes will be on Tounkara and the Tigers as they clash with the FEU Tamaraws at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are on the hunt for a much-needed second win, as they face the NU Bulldogs in a UAAP Season 87 Round 1 eliminations matchup on October 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Both teams are struggling with identical 1-5 records, and Ateneo, in particular, is searching for answers as they look to close out Round 1 on a positive note.
Ateneo is coming off a tough loss to UE, marking the Red Warriors' first victory over the Blue Eagles since November 2015. It was a bitter defeat for the Katipunan squad, which is looking to find consistency and regain their winning ways after a difficult start to the season.
