UST big man Mo Tounkara against FEU in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After promising to play better, Mo Tounkara stayed true to his word and led University of Santo Tomas to a winning record at the end of the first round in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The Malian big man put a premium on defense and rebounding to help the Growling Tigers stop a two-game slide following back-to-back losses to title favorites La Salle and University of the Philippines.

Tounkara put up a monstrous double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds in UST’s 83-72 win over Far Eastern University on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Tounkara and Padrigao on ending a two-game skid. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/F048CvNoXP

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 5, 2024

“It feels good, it feels good. We just keep going from the game, we had two losses against La Salle and UP. We’re trying to get better and prepare for the second-round games. We lost against Adamson, we didn’t expect that,” said Tounkara. “We’re just going to get better every day. I think we got a one-week break and we’re going to get better to prepare for the second round. For sure it’s going to be pretty exciting. I pray to God to give us health to get the second round started.”

Tounkara had fun going up against the gritty Tamaraws as he unleashed his best rebounding game of the season so far, outshining counerpart Mo Konateh, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

“The game was going to be fun. I was just able to protect the ring first. Our coaches said to do a lot to protect the paint. That’s what we did. We just listened to them and we put all our effort into the court and we were able to stop Mo. I think he didn’t have enough rebounds,” Tounkara said.

The 6-foot-8 center conspired with Nic Cabañero late as the two put on the finishing touches for UST to keep FEU at bay.

“To be able to share the ball, stay focused, and put effort in. I think that’s what matters, not the outcome of the game,” said Tounkara. “We may put all our effort but sometimes we don’t win the game. But today, we put all the effort to share the ball, keep playing as a team, and we got an amazing point guard.”

Tounkara is bracing for a tougher challenge in the second round starting next week and vows to further improve to boost the Tigers’ Final Four bid.

“It’s not gonna be easy for sure. It’s gonna be tough to deliver. But through our preparation, we’re gonna put ourselves in a winning position. I know for sure it’s not going to be easy anymore. It’s gonna be tough and I believe in my teammates, my coaches. We’re gonna take those wins in the second round. We’re gonna do much better,” Tounkara said.

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