MANILA, Philippines -- Jervy Cruz took charge in pivotal runs as the University of Santo Tomas held off a rallying Adamson before coasting to a 97-83 rout in the 71st UAAP men's basketball competition Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.

Rebounding from a season-low production, Cruz collected a career-high 29 points, 15 boards and a pair of blocks to lead the Tigers to their fourth win in eight games.

Cruz and rookie guard Clark Bautista combined for 10 points late in the third quarter that put the Tigers back up in double figures after the Falcons nearly wiped out their 44-29 halftime lead.

The Falcons came as close as five, 49-44, but blew the chance to wrest control after missing three of their next four free throws.

Despite the brief scare, coach Pido Jarencio commended his wards for responding to his pre-game pep talk that put the Tigers in command by as many as 20 points, 32-12, in the first half.

"I just told them we must have desire and commitment," said Jarencio after his Tigers joined the University of the East at fourth place.

"We only need the desire to play both defense and offense, and the commitment to give 100 percent every game. That's why we started aggressive."

Mark Canlas also posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Bautista knocked in all of his 12 markers from beyond the arc.

Although it hardly showed this time, the 6-foot-4 Cruz said he remained bothered by a left hamstring injury sustained in the PBL.

"I thought of not playing today, but I wanted to make up for my last game," said Cruz, who came off a measly eight points in the Tigers' loss to the Eagles, 64-57, last week.

Starting point guard Japs Cuan saw action anew after missing four games due to a torn meniscus on his left knee.

Even with Jan Colina and Paul Gonzalgo scoring 20 points apiece, the Falcons dropped to 2-6 along with National University and the University of the Philippines.

The scores:

UST 97 -- Cruz 29, Canlas 13, Bautista 12, Ababou 11, Mirza 8, Allera 8, Fortuna 6, Gile 5, Fenequito 2, Cuan 2, Wong 1, Vargas 0, Camus 0, Afuang 0, Taylor 0.

ADAMSON 83 -- Colina 20, Gonzalgo 20, Cañada 15, Agustin 6, Lozada 6, Nuyles 5, Galinato 5, Olalia 3, Yambot 3, Ruiz 0, Santos 0, Gorospe 0.

Quarters: 21-10, 44-29, 70-61, 97-83