IT WAS nearly a month ago since the Growling Tigers won over University of the Philippines in the first round. Finally, after five consecutive losses in the UAAP tournament, they tasted win against the National University 73-69 on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST displayed a different game performance against NU than that in the first round, as they finally executed smooth run of defensive and offensive plays. The Tigers shocked their opponent with unstoppable grit and grind, and led eight points in the first period, 22-14.
However, Matt Salem exploded eight points in the second period, boosting the Bulldogs to 20-12 run, and tied with UST, 34-all.
Coming back in the second half, Marvin Lee exploded five triples for UST taking the lead back to their side and capped of the game.
“Yung aim namin na makapasok sa taas, hindi pa rin nagbabago yun. Hindi kami nawawalan ng hope and siguro yun din ang nagdala sa defense namin,” said UST Team Captain Louie Vigil.
UST improved to a 3-7 win-loss record climbing up to seventh place, while NU had their third straight loss and fell to 4-5, fifth place in the tournament.
Sophomore Lee had 22 points, three rebounds and four steals, while Vigil finished 20 points and seven rebounds. Jon Sheriff displayed great performance and had 19 points and six of the Tigers’ 12 steals.
UST Coach Boy Sablan beamed as he returned for a post-game interview, and said that he was happy with the game, but still, he hopes that the Tigers would be able to display a better performance against DLSU on October 23, after a disastrous game in the first round.
Salem had 20 points and five rebounds, while Alfred Aroga had a double-double, 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jess Diputado added 12 points.
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