Daquioag explodes for 34 points as Tigers claw Warriors

MANILA, Philippines – Ed Daquioag dished out an MVP-like performance, banging in 34 big points to power University of Santo Tomas to an 83-76 victory over University of the East and into the top the standings at the midpoint of the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tourney on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Daquioag dumped 12 in the fourth quarter as he nearly singlehandedly bailed the Tigers out of trouble against the rallying Warriors, helping them secure a leading 6-1 for their best since a similar first-round card in 2012.

“Hindi na ako nagtataka sa performance ni Ed; nakita ko na iyan sa kanya last year, although na-injured siya, at last summer. Natural na sa kanya iyan (I’m no longer surprised by Daquioag’s showing, having seen that as early as last year, though he just got injured then. He’s a naturally explosive player),” said UST coach Bong de la Cruz, whose wards easily surpassed their five-win showing last year.

Daquioag’s output was the highest for a UST player since Dylan Ababou fired 30 in 2009. Daquioag also issued six assists and grabbed four boards.

The Tigers stormed to a 16-point tear in the second period and still held a 56-46 tear halfway through the third. But the Warriors, with their press causing UST troubles, battled back to within two with still 1:35 left.

Daquioag then took over, first making a split then in the next offensive converting a twisting lay-up to restore a 79-71 cushion going to the last 43.3 seconds.

“Goal ko kasi mag-PBA kaya ngayon pa lang, kailangang i-taas ko ang level ng laro ko (I want to play in the PBA after this so I’m trying my best to raise my level of play here),” said the graduating Daquioag.

Kevin Ferrer and Louie Vigil shot 14 apiece to backstop Daquioag while Karim Abdul had 10 rebounds plus nine markers.

Paul Varilla fired 25 spiked by four triples to lead UE, which fell to its fourth straight loss for 2-5.

The Tigers have won their last three assignments to end the round and secure their place at No. 1

“Prepared kami this season, iyan lang masasabi ko (All I can say is we really prepared well for this season),” said Dela Cruz.

The Scores:

UST 83 – Daquioag 34, Ferrer 14, Vigil 14, Abdul 9, Sheriff 5, Lee 5, Lao 2, Abdurasad 0, Bonleon 0, Caunan 0, Faundo 0, Garrido 0, Subido 0.

UE 76 – Varilla 25, Javier 12, De Leon 8, Palma 8, Batiller 5, Charcos 5, Sta. Ana 4, Abanto 3, Derige 2, Gagate 2, Manalang 0, Gonzales 0, Penuela 0, Yu 0.

Quarterscores: 26-12, 44-33, 60-56, 83-76.