Tigers clip Bombers in double OT, make finals

University of Santo Tomas (UST) rolled past Jose Rizal University, 97-92, in double overtime on Saturday to nail the first final slot in the NSAC World Invitational at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Collins Akowe was unstoppable for the Growling Tigers, pouring in 33 points and grabbing 22 rebounds for a monster double-double that sent UST within one win of the championship in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.

UST will face the winner between reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association champions San Beda University and Fighting Eagles Nagoya, who were battling as of press time, for the title on Sunday at 5 p.m.

The Heavy Bombers, meanwhile, will play for the bronze medal Sunday at 3 p.m. against the loser of the San Beda-Nagoya semifinal.

Earlier in the day, Tenri University and Formosa Tiger Kings secured spots in the fifth-place game at 1 p.m. after winning their respective classification matches.

Tenri University defeated Elite Stacks AUS, 80-63, behind Jeremiah Williams’ double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Formosa, meanwhile, routed Far Eastern University, 97-79, as Justin Miles Hawkins delivered an all-around performance with 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Elite Stacks AUS and the Tamaraws will battle for seventh place today at 11 a.m. to open the quadruple-header.