UAAP: UST survives Ateneo in historic triple-overtime showdown to steal win on the Blue Eagles’ homecourt

In a night destined for UAAP lore, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers proved that heart — not homecourt — ultimately wins games.

Before a roaring 5,373-strong crowd at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym, UST clawed its way to a thrilling 98–89 triple-overtime victory over Ateneo de Manila University, seizing the spotlight — and the win — from the hosts in the first triple-OT game of the UAAP Final Four era.

The Growling Tigers turned adversity into fuel, outlasting a fatigued Blue Eagles squad that saw Divine Adili foul out, Kymani Ladi cramp up, and rookie Jared Bahay play through a shoulder injury. UST capitalized, unleashing a decisive 13–2 run in the final extra frame to complete the stunning comeback — spoiling Ateneo’s homecoming and rising into a share of the league lead with National University at 4–1.

“It was a triple-overtime game, so throw away all the numbers. It was all heart for both teams,” said UST assistant coach Juno Sauler, capturing the grit and emotion that defined the night.

Collins Akowe anchored the Tigers’ interior with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and key defensive stops in crunch time. Nic Cabanero, who missed potential game-winners in the first two overtimes, found redemption with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a composed finish that steadied UST late.

UST WINS TRIPLE-OVERTIME THRILLER VS ATENEO

The Tigers go Forth at the Blue Eagles’ nest — and come away with their fourth win after outlasting Ateneo in three overtimes. #GoUSTe pic.twitter.com/gM2I6yWExY

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) October 11, 2025

Former Ateneo guard Forthsky Padrigao provided poetic symmetry to the night, draining crucial triples — one to force overtime in regulation and another in the first OT — before yielding to his teammates in the final stretch. He finished with 20 points built on poise and composure. 

Meanwhile, Gelo Crisostomo delivered a breakout game with 18 points and 17 rebounds, embodying the Tigers’ relentless hustle.

The victory also served as poetic justice — a reversal of last year’s heartbreak, when Ateneo stunned UST in Espana. This time, the Thomasians celebrated on Katipunan soil, remaining unbeaten in their first appearance at the reopened Blue Eagle Gym.

Ateneo, for its part, fought valiantly. Bahay scored 14 of his 17 points in the overtime periods, including the assist for Josh Lazaro’s jumper that briefly gave Ateneo an 85–84 lead in the second OT. But Akowe’s late free throw tied the game once again, setting the stage for a decisive third extension.

Ladi contributed 14 points and nine rebounds before cramping up, while Dom Escobar posted an impressive 13 points, 20 boards, and five steals. Adili added 10 points and 17 rebounds before fouling out, as the Blue Eagles ran out of gas down the stretch.

The loss marked Ateneo’s first back-to-back defeats of the season, falling to 4–2 after a grueling three-game week that began with a rivalry triumph over La Salle but ended in heartbreak at home.

In the end, UST’s win was more than just an upset — it was a statement of revival. The Growling Tigers have re-emerged as fearless contenders, willing to endure every blow and roar louder when it matters most.

Earlier in the day, Adamson cruised to a 77–62 victory over the University of the East behind Ray Allen Torres’ 16 points, securing their second win of the season.

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