15 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – It was a sloppy game for University of Santo Tomas in the first three quarters, but they tied the loose ends in the final period and overtime to win over tough competitor National University, 87-74, in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sinwerte kami sa dulo. We did not play our game sa first three and a half quarters, pero buti, nag-pick up kami sa dulo,” said UST head coach Aldin Ayo post-game.
National U almost ended the game at the fourth quarter after a go-ahead lay-up by Enzo Joson sent them up ahead by two points, 70-68, with only 6.5 seconds on the clock. The Bulldogs celebrated early as Soulemane Chabi Yo ran to the other side and tied the tally to 70-all, 2.1 ticks remaining.
Dave Ildefonso shot a three pointer that bounced off the rim in the dying seconds, sending the game to overtime. “Buti bumuhos pa rin yung mga bata especially sa dulo. While our opponents were celebrating, we were able to convert and force overtime,” Ayo added.
The Growling Tigers stepped on the gas during overtime as prized recruit Rhenz Abando knocked down two treys, outscoring the Bulldogs itself with 6-4 run. UST went on a 17-4 blast as they claimed their comeback victory after losing to Ateneo, 71-70.
Chabi Yo finished with a 23-point, 20-rebound double-double, while Abando had 21 markers, six boards, and two assists. Sherwin Concepcion added 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Mark Nonoy chipped in nine markers, six boards, and two dimes as UST improved to a 3-1 slate.
On the other hand, NU remains winless in the tournament with a 0-3 win-loss record even after Dave Ildefonso’s 16 points and John Lloyd Clemente’s 12 markers.
The Scores:
UST 87 – Chabi Yo 23, Abando 21, Concepcion 13, Nonoy 9, Subido 7, Paraiso 6, Huang 5, Cansino 3, Ando 0, Bataller 0, Cuajao 0.
NU 74 – D. Ildefonso 16, Clemente 11, Joson 10, S. Ildefonso 9, Gaye 6, Oczon 5, Galinato 3, Mangayao 2, Gallego 0, Mosqueda 0, Rangel 0.
Quarter scores: 21-16, 30-31, 47-52, 70-70, 87-74.
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