UST’s Collins Akowe Earns High Praise from La Salle Captain After Key UAAP Win

In a thrilling UAAP Season 88 encounter, UST Growling Tigers’ rookie center Collins Akowe showcased his potential as he powered his team to a 93-84 win over the De La Salle Green Archers on September 27 at the Araneta Coliseum. Akowe’s dominant presence in the final half was pivotal, especially during the crucial moments in the fourth quarter.

De La Salle team captain Mike Phillips lauded Akowe, acknowledging his blend of size, stamina, and effort as a formidable combination. "[Akowe's] motor is very high. And that's a really dangerous combo when you have a person of that size, but also that effort and that energy and that motor," Phillips remarked after the game.

Phillips also emphasized Akowe's adaptability within UST's system and coaching strategy, highlighting the rookie's work ethic and ability to seamlessly fit into the team. Despite a modest first half where he tallied 8 points and 6 rebounds, Akowe exploded in the second half, accumulating 12 points and 13 rebounds, finishing with nearly a double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds.

UST relied heavily on Akowe in the closing stages, where he successfully scored key post-up baskets against Phillips, pushing the lead to 11 points with under two minutes remaining. The former UAAP juniors MVP from NU Nazareth School is currently leading the league, averaging an impressive 24.5 points and 18 rebounds in his first two games.

Phillips also noted Akowe's basketball IQ, commending him not as a selfish player but one who actively involves his teammates. "He's not the type of player that's [bwakaw] (a ball hog), but he knows how to find his teammates too," he shared.

The commanding showing from the rookie signals a promising future in UAAP men's basketball, earning respect even from seasoned opponents. "He's definitely one of the hardest to face, because I'm just really excited because he's just a rookie," Phillips added.