University of Santo Tomas leaned on a late surge to fend off Far Eastern University, 92-80, and notch its third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 88 men\'s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Tied at 68 with eight and a half minutes remaining, the Growling Tigers caught fire with Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero orchestrating a 23-12 run that created a comfortable cushion -- one the Tamaraws tried but ultimately failed to overcome. With the win, the España-based squad secured a share of the lead with National University at 5-1, while FEU suffered its second straight loss for a 1-5 card. Paranada topped UST’s scoring column with 19 points on top of two rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Cabañero and Gelo Crisostomo added 14 points apiece. Collins Akowe, for his part, posted a double-double outing of 12 points and 11 rebounds with two assists, one steal, and four blocks, even as Forthsky Padrigao scored 11 points. The Tigers’ bench also shone as they conspired for 35 points, outshining FEU’s 14. Janrey Pasaol and Mo Konateh unloaded 22 and 19 points, respectively, but were not enough to lift the Tamaraws to victory. Kirby Mongcopa and Jorick Baustista also registered 11 points apiece in a losing cause.