After a close lead of 35-31 after the halftime period, NU stretched their advantage making it to a 20-point cushion, 60-40, in the third quarter.

Shaun Ildefonso fired all of his 10 baskets in that stretch while also grabbing six rebounds and three assists.

The Bulldogs sustained their lead in the game as the gap ballooned to 31 points to secure their victory.

Reyland Torres led the NU attack with 12 points, while rookie Jake Figueroa had 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.

It was rookie Nic Cabanero who took charge for the Growling Tigers finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Sherwin Concepcion had 10 points. 

With their win, the Bulldogs improved their record to 3-3, while the Growling Tigers dropped to a 2-4 slate.

The Scores:

NU 82 – Torres 12, Figueroa 11, Ildefonso 10, Joson 9, Yu 7, Clemente 6, Galinato 6, Enriquez 5, Minerva 4, Malonzo 4, Felicilda 2, Gaye 2, Mahinay 2, Flores 2, Manansala 0, Tibayan 0.

UST 51 – Cabanero 11, Concepcion 10, Manalang 8, Fontanilla 5, Garing 4, Herrera 3, Santos 2, Manaytay 2, M. Pangilinan 2, Mantua 2, Samudio 2, Ando 0, Canoy 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Gesalem 0, Yongco 0.

Quarters: 16-13; 35-31; 60-40; 82-51.