The University of Santo Tomas made an explosive statement on the first day of 3x3 action across all divisions in the UAAP Season 87 3x3 basketball tournament on Monday, April 28, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Home Court.

5x5 boys’ champs Carl Manding, Koji Buenaflor, Charles Bucsit, and Charles Esteban edged the University of the East Junior Warriors to open the boys' tournament, 19-13.

Bucsit and Manding led the charge with nine and seven points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Andwele Cabañero, Miguel Jubilado, Dustin Bathan, and Roi Balague held off UE’s U16 squad at the buzzer in the inaugural junior high division, 13-11.

On the women’s end, the three-peat-seeking Tigresses, composed of Kent Pastrana, CJ Maglupay, Eka Soriano, and Karylle Sierba, started their campaign with two dominant victories against the UE Lady Warriors, 21-9, and the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 21-14.

Amiel Acido, Ice Danting, Gelo Crisostomo, and Zain Mahmood of the Growling Tigers end the opening day with a 1-1 split after taking down defending champions UE Red Warriors in a 21-20 outing but then falling short in a tight contest against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 18-20.

The boys' and U-16 teams will face Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University in the morning, while the men’s and women’s teams will battle DLSU in the afternoon.

UST will look to gain more momentum on Tuesday, April 29, in the same venue.