With both teams coming off from defeat, the National University and University of Santo Tomas clashed head on to claim a victory comeback.
However, it was the Bulldogs who took home another win as they thrashed the Tigers efforts to overturn the match, 94-84 on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Following their defeat to defending champs, La Salle, the Bulldogs climbed to a 2- 1 card.
It has been a tough game between the two squads, with only three points as the highest lead in the first half. Jjay Alejandro paced the Bulldogs with four triples, while Reggie Boy Basibas fired off 15 points.
UST made a late 8-0 run in the third period, making way for a 73-68 lead, but their luck chipped away coming into the fourth as they faced multiple foul troubles that put back the Bulldogs into the lead, 87-80.
Basibas and Jordan Sta. Ana was fouled out late in the game that helped seal the win for NU, following a triple by Dave Yu.
“UST were controlling the entire game and we just made a late run and got the win,” said NU Coach Jamike Jarin. “UST is not an easy team. They are a force to reckon with and they will eventually win some games.”
Issa Gaye topped the Bulldogs with a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, along with four blocks.
On the other hand, Basibas finished with 23 points, while Sta. Ana added 14 in the losing effort of the Growling Tigers.
