Tigers, Tamaraws grab share of lead

MANILA, Philippines — Santo Tomas handed University of the East its 24th straight defeat, 98-87, and joined a crowded leaderboard in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the MOA Arena.

The Growling Tigers nearly wasted a 23-point lead but fended off the Red Warriors’ late rally to notch their second straight win and tying for No. 1 with UP, Ateneo and National U at 2-1.

The España-based hoopers, who dropped a 92-85 defeat to UP in the opener, scored a 90-85 stunner over reigning champion La Salle last week before action halted to give way to the Asian Games.

Koji Buenaflor tallied eight points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal in 15 minutes to mark his return after helping Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 to fourth place.

Later, Far Eastern spoiled the return of Gilas’ Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo for La Salle with a 90-78 win. The Tamaraws made it two in a row to also join the league leaders while the Green Archers absorbed their second consecutive loss for 1-2.