Parading new players, the UST Growling Tigers opened the FilOil EcoOil Pre-Season Cup with a loss against the DLSU Green Archers, 61-68, on Friday, May 17, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Veteran scorer Nic Cabañero led the pack for the Tigers with 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds and three steals in 27 minutes of action.

New guard additions in Forthsky Padrigao and Ice Danting produced nine markers apiece, while big man Mohamed Tounkara added eight points and nine rebounds in the loss.

It was Padrigao's first game with the Growling Tigers' Team A, serving his residency last season. He will be eligible to play in Season 87.

Among the debutants for the Tigers were Danting, Mady Tounkara, Geremy Robinson, Ashon Andrews, and Kyle Paranada,

After a slow start, the Tigers found themselves down in the first frame, 16-23.

The Tigers opened the third quarter on a 9-0 run to steal the lead from DLSU, 42-41, punctuated by a Danting triple.

UST limited the Archers by just six points before entering the final salvo, 50-47.

However, La Salle displayed poise in the fourth quarter, jumping to a 21-11 finishing burst as the Tigers fell short in the endgame, 61-68.

Reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists for the Green Archers.

DLSU's new foreign-athlete Henry Agunanne tallied 12 markers and 16 rebounds, while Jonel Policarpio added 12 points in his first game of the league.

The UST Growling Tigers eye for their first preseason win as they face the UP Fighting Maroons on Monday, May 20, at the same venue.