The UST Growling Tigers bowed down to the defending champions, DLSU Green Archers, 67-88, in their first-round matchup of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nic Cabañero led UST’s scoring department with 16 points, while Forthsky Padrigao and Amiel Acido combined for 24 points.

The Growling Tigers started off hot as they went up 10 points early in the first quarter, courtesy of Ice Danting and Christian Manaytay, 18-8.

DLSU quickly regained composure courtesy of an 11-0 run lead by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, clamping the España-based squad to end the opening salvo, 19-18.

The Growling Tigers suffered an offensive drought in the second frame, scoring only 12 points against the 17 points of the Green Archers, allowing DLSU to stay ahead by halftime, 30-36.

Padrigao trimmed down the lead to open the second half; however, Mike Phillips continued to dominate inside the paint for DLSU to pull away, 44-59.

Geremy Robinson sparked an 8-0 run to end the third quarter strong, but Philips quickly responded with a two-point shot to ward off the rallying España-based squad, 52-61.

The fourth period saw an early exchange of behind-the-arc shots from both teams, with UST threatening to make a comeback through Padrigao’s long bomb, 58-69.

DLSU remained unfazed and continued to maul the Growling Tigers, completely stunning them and handing UST their second loss of the season, 67-88.

Phillips paved the way for the Green Archers with a double-double performance on 12 markers and 18 rebounds, followed by Vhoris Marasigan, who racked up 11 points on a near-perfect 4-of-5 shooting.

Quiambao, Raven Gonzales, and JC Macalalag also registered double digit points in the winning effort for the Taft-based squad with 10 points each.

UST currently holds a 3-2 record and will be facing last season’s runner-ups, the UP Fighting Maroons, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the same venue.