UST Growling Tigers Dominate ADU Falcons in Filoil Preseason Cup Clash

The UST Growling Tigers put on an emphatic display of basketball on June 9, 2026, cruising to an 81–59 victory over the ADU Falcons in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Played at the Filoil Flying V Centre, the match underscored UST’s depth and defensive tenacity while exposing areas for improvement for the Falcons early in the preseason calendar.

From the opening tip, UST seized control with a balanced offensive attack and suffocating half-court defense. The Growling Tigers built a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back, extending the margin to as many as 25 points in the third period. ADU struggled to find consistent scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, and was forced into 18 turnovers that UST converted into 22 points.

Match Overview

The game featured a stark contrast in tempo and efficiency. UST shot 47% from the field and 36% from three-point range, while ADU managed only 38% shooting overall and a paltry 5-of-22 from deep. The Growling Tigers also dominated the glass, outrebounding the Falcons 44–32, including 14 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities.

For the Falcons, the absence of a reliable go-to scorer was evident. While they showed flashes of resilience in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits briefly, UST responded with a 12–2 run to restore order before halftime. The second half saw UST maintain its intensity, with key reserves contributing valuable minutes to keep the pressure on.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: UST opened the game with a 14–4 run, anchored by strong transition play and three early steals. ADU called an early timeout but could not stem the tide.
• ADU’s Brief Fightback: Midway through the second quarter, the Falcons mounted a 9–0 spurt behind three-pointers from guard Miguel de Leon and a fast-break layup, pulling within six points at 32–26. However, UST answered with a quick timeout and a renewed defensive focus, forcing two shot-clock violations.
• Third Quarter Knockout: The Growling Tigers opened the third period on a 10–0 run, pushing the lead to 22 points. ADU never recovered, and UST’s lead hovered around 20 for the remainder of the game.

Standout Players

UST Growling Tigers: Forward Joaquin Manansala led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Guard Rico Dimaculangan orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 7 assists, while big man Kyle Rivera controlled the paint with a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards.

ADU Falcons: Guard Miguel de Leon was the lone bright spot, scoring 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 3 triples. Forward Jasper Cruz contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds, but the Falcons lacked a consistent secondary scoring option.

Season and Table Impact

In the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, results serve as vital preparation for the upcoming UAAP season. For UST, the victory improves their record to 3–1, signaling that they are blending well as a unit under head coach Dindo Pumaren (inferred). The Growling Tigers’ defense has been particularly impressive, holding opponents to under 65 points per game so far.

For ADU, now at 1–3, the loss highlights offensive inconsistencies that need addressing before the regular season. Head coach Franz Pumaren (inferred) will likely focus on shot selection and reducing turnovers in upcoming practice sessions. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the preseason offers a valuable learning opportunity for a young Falcons squad.

As the tournament progresses, UST will look to build on this momentum against other UAAP rivals, while ADU will aim to regroup and fine-tune their rotation. Both teams remain contenders in their own right, but this match underscored the gap in execution and experience on the day.