By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Ilonggo Mark Nonoy’s debut for the UST Growling Tigers ended with an impressive win, 95-82, in the UAAP Men’s basketball tournament.
The free-flowing offense of the Growling Tigers was in full display as they torched the Red Warriors from deep, sinking 14 three-pointers and outrebounding them by 11.
Coach Aldin Ayo’s system allowed the young guns to play their brand of basketball but with discipline and cohesiveness, playing like veterans against a talented UE roster.
Rookie Rhenz Abando also introduced himself in the seniors’ division as he showed his full arsenal in the game, knocking down shots from the rainbow country and finished on strong drives to the cup.
Ilonggo stalwart Nonoy scored only 3 points but was bigtime on the defensive end, disrupting passes and locking down guards he was matched up against.
Returning star CJ Cansino tallied 9 points and was very efficient in his season 82 debut, finding open teammates and dishing out timely assists.
The Growling Tigers asserted dominance early on as they held the Red Warriors to just 42 percent from the field, clogging down the passing lanes and boxing out the big men in red.
