21 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – National University defeated University of Santo Tomas anew, 69-61, for an elimination round sweep in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
With the win, the Bulldogs snapped the Tigers’ three-game winning streak and improved their record to a 3-6 slate, which still gives them a chance for a spot in the Final Four.
Filipino-American Troy Rike paved the way for NU as he shot four consecutive baskets for an 8-0 run that put them ahead by seven points, 41-34.
NU’s lead even stretched by as much as 11 points, 53-42, after Dave Wilson Yu knocked down a buzzer beating booming triple at the end of the third quarter.
The Tigers still put up a fight with team captain Marvin Lee and veteran player Renzo Subido taking the lead as they knocked down triples all over the court and cut the deficit back to one, 56-57.
However, Dave Ildefonso completely shut the Tigers down after scoring seven straight points down the stretch to keep a seven-point cushion, 65-58. The Bulldogs never looked back from there and cruised to winning the match.
Rookie Ildefonso led NU with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Rike chipped in 13 markers, seven boards and four dimes.
On the other hand, Subido paved the way for UST after he shot five three’s in the game and finished with 18 points, while Lee knocked down four three’s for 12 points.
CJ Cansino was low on his shooting with only eight points, but grabbed 18 rebounds along as UST dropped to a 4-5 win-loss record.
The Scores:
NU 69 – Ildefonso D 16, Rike 13, Clemente 12, Gaye 10, Diputado 7, Ildefonso S 4, Yu 3, Joson 2, Sinclair 2, Aquino 0, Gallego 0, Galinato 0, Tibayan 0
UST 61 – Subido 18, Lee 12, Huang 11, Cansino 8, Mahinay 8, Caunan 4, Bataller 0, Marcos 0, Zamora 0, Cosejo 0, Agustin 0
QUARTER SCORES: 15-11, 33-32, 53-42, 69-61
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