Dwyane Wade Watches UST Beat FEU From Courtside at the UAAP
Dwyane Wade sat courtside at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 14, and watched the University of Santo Tomas beat Far Eastern University, 81-69, in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. It came during his first visit to the Philippines.
His first trip to Manila
Wade retired from the NBA in 2019 after 16 seasons. It took him seven more years to reach the Philippines. He landed at NAIA Terminal 3 on Monday, October 12, ahead of the TADHANA: Make Your Own Way Manila Tour, a two-day program on October 13 and 14 presented by Li-Ning and Way of Wade with Toby’s Sports.
Tuesday brought a fan fest at the BGC Amphitheater and a media session. Wade told reporters that hearing about Filipino basketball love is one thing and feeling it is another. Before the trip, he said, “Basketball has always had an incredible ability to connect people.”
UST turns the game around
UST trailed 41-28 in the first half. The Growling Tigers then outscored the Tamaraws 29-9 in the third quarter.
FEU guard Janrey Pasaol tied the game at 62 with 6:54 left. UST answered with a 7-2 run, capped by an Amiel Acido short shot for a 69-64 lead. Mo Konateh scored five straight points to tie it again for FEU. UST closed the game on a 12-0 run.
Who scored
Mark Llemit led UST with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Collins Akowe had 14 points and 19 rebounds. Andrew Chio scored 14 and Acido added 12.
Konateh finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds for FEU. Jorick Bautista scored 14, and Kirby Mongcopa had 12 points and six rebounds.
UST improved to 3-2 four days after an overtime loss to National University. FEU dropped to 4-2, ending a four-game winning streak. UST assistant coach Peter Martin said the team was not thrown off much by the NU loss and responded in the second half.
Clinics for young players
The tour also included the Wade Academy Future Stars Clinic. Wade and trainer Chris Johnson were set to work with Palarong Pambansa champions on skills, game mindset and leadership. A separate report said Wade was scheduled to hold clinics on Wednesday with select local players.
