8 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – There was no stopping the Ildefonso brothers from taking National University’s first win. Not even the newly coached University of Santo Tomas.
The Bulldogs survived a late run by the Growling Tigers to take a 75-70 win in their first game of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament, Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU relied on brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso’s sweet shooting, while Senegalese Issa Gaye pressed UST with a tough defense with his multiple blocks.
The National U was not contented with a five-point lead in the first half, so they went for a 21-9 run in the third quarter, 54-37.
Now coached by former La Salle coach Aldin Ayo, UST was not just about to surrender as they dropped 33 points in the fourth salvo.
However, they missed crucial shots in the finals minutes of the game and the time ran out as John Clemente’s layup sealed the win for the Bulldogs.
Dave Ildefonso had 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while his brither Shaun chipped in a 10-point 11-rebound double-double.
On the other hand, rookie CJ Cansino had a game-high 20 points for UST, while Renzo Subido finished with 15 points.
The Scores
NU 75 – Ildefonso D. 19, Ildefonso S. 10, Joson 8, Clemente 6, Gaye 6, Rike 6, Aquino 4, Sinclair 4, Galinato 4, Yu 3, Gallego 3, Diputado 2, Morido 0.
UST 70 – Cansino 20, Subido 15, Akomo 12, Lee 6, Caunan 6, Zamora 5, Huang 4, Bataller 2, Cosejo 0, Marcos 0, Bonleon 0.
Quarters: 14-14, 33-28, 54-37, 75-70.
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