After nine years, the Tigers have finally prevailed over the Blue Eagles.

The UST Growling Tigers escaped the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a heavily contested match, 74-64, to end their 17-game losing streak with them in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mo Tounkara and Gelo Crisostomo claimed their first double-double of the season, combining for 32 points and 24 rebounds to help the Tigers secure their second straight win and maintain a clean slate in the league.

Meanwhile, Nic Cabañero and Mark Llemit contributed 11 and 10 markers in the winning effort, respectively.

Despite only going 2-of-12 from the field, former Blue Eagle Forthsky Padrigao compensated for the team with his playmaking skills dishing out nine assists, with six points, and three rebounds.

UST’s Crisostomo and Geremy Robinson posted five points each in the opening quarter to stay right behind the Blue Eagles at the end of the period, 18-19.

Power forward Llemit registered seven points in the second canto to help the Growling Tigers fight back but Ateneo’s Joshua Lazaro and Ian Espinosa’s back-to-back buckets denied UST’s chance to get their momentum at halftime, 37-41.

The third frame saw the Tigers establish a five-point lead, their first lead since the opening quarter, after unleashing an early 9-0 rally ignited by Tounkara’s six straight baskets followed by Cabanero’s and one bucket, 46-41.

A Padrigao-Crisostomo connection in the final seconds of the third period granted UST a slim three-point lead, 55-52.

The Blue Eagles started the final salvo with an 8-3 run, 56-60, but the Growling Tigers responded with a massive 16-0 rally securing a 12-point advantage in the last two minutes of the game, 72-60.

The España-based squad kept the Katipunan-based team from scoring in the fourth period to seal the victory after a fierce battle from start to finish, 74-64.

Meanwhile, Coach Pido Jarencio does not want his team to be complacent despite a strong start in their UAAP Season 87 campaign.

"Malayo pa ito. Two wins pa lang. May second round pa," he said. Pero nakakapondo na kami ng panalo para pagdating ng second round na bakbakan na lalo, may baon na kami,” UST’s Head Coach added.

Lazaro’s double-double performance was spoiled after chipping in 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Blue Eagles’ second straight loss.

Rookie Kristian Porter and Shawn Tuano also paced Ateneo in their loss, contributing 10 and 13 markers.

The Growling Tigers, holding a clean 2-0 record, are now tied with defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers at the top of the table.

UST will look to secure their third consecutive win against Adamson University on Sunday, Sept. 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.