The University of Santo Tomas Teletigers ESports Club - NBA2K wasted no time making a statement against the University of the East Zenith ESports club, 2-0, in the UAAP Season 87 NBA2K tournament on Tuesday, May 13, at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.

Teletiger Daemiel Argame’s Boston Celtics triumphed over Ceanne Manalastas’ Phoenix Suns pick with a 69-48 blowout to open the best-of-three series.

Eryx Delos Reyes’ Oklahoma City Thunder then drubbed Zenith Cyden Ordoña’s Celtics, 70-42, to seal the win in favor of UST.

The España-based squad won both games with an average margin of 24 points.

“Sobrang saya for me na finally nakapag-compete na ulit kami this season kasi we are really excited to this season,” Delos Reyes told TomasinoWeb.

“Siguro naging eye opener ‘yung last season’s [performance} namin kasi we really didn’t expect na magiging ganoon kaganda ‘yung run… I’m really motivated for this season to redeem myself and I’m confident with myself and my teammates,” the last year’s bronze medalist added.

Building on their stellar performance from day 1, TGR delivered another commanding victory against the National University Bulldogs, 2-0, on the following day, May 14, to advance to the semifinals for the second straight time.

Argame’s Celtics built an early 14-point lead against Jared Allaga’s Thunder, 49-35, and never looked back.

He followed it up with another 13-0 run to open the second half, ultimately resulting in a 64-53 trashing against Allaga.

Gideon Del Val, who made his debut in the tournament, capped off the best-of-three series with a 62-47 win against John Constantino’s Thunder, securing six points for UST.

The España-based squad will look to close their group-stage campaign on high against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Thursday, May 15, in the same venue.