22 September 2019
By Maxine Lousie Lagman
ANTIPOLO – University of Santo Tomas overcame a sloppy performance in the first half with the help of rookie Sherwin Concepcion to defeat Far Eastern University, 82-74, on Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Concepcion, who was recruited from Mapua, lifted the Growling Tigers from a five-point deficit at the half, 34-39, by heading a 7-0 run to claim lead for the first time, 41-39.
The Tamaraws answered back to retake charge for a slim 49-48 lead, but Concepcion exploded four consecutive triples for a 19-6 rally that gave UST a 12-point cushion, 67-55, opening the fourth quarter.
“They responded. They responded dun sa challenge ko na they had to show up. They had to play their game,” said UST head coach Aldin Ayo as the Growling Tigers shot 10-of-36 from downtown.
UST never let go of the lead as Renzo Subido and Ira Bataller put in the finishing touches to clinch their fourth win in six games.
“That was a good game. Good way to bounce back, masakit yung last namin na talo,” said Ayo, referring to their game against Adamson University. “I’m just grateful na we were able to adjust king ano mga pagkukulang namin dun sa last game.”
Concepcion rose up to the challenge when he was needed the most as he finished 12 points. Soulemane Chabi Yo topped UST with a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Mark Nonoy and Subido had 11 markers apiece.
For FEU, L-Jay Gonzales had 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Xyrus Torres added 14 markers as they dropped to a 2-3 slate.
The Scores:
UST 82 – Chabi Yo 21, Concepcion 12, Nonoy 11, Subido 11, Abando 10, Bataller 8, Paraiso 3, Ando 2, Cansino 2, Huang 2, Cuajao 0.
FEU 74 – Gonzales 16, Torres 14, Ebona 11, Comboy 10, Bienes 6, Tuffin 6, Alforque 4, Stockton 4, Nunag 3, Cani 0, Celzo 0, Tchuente 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 14-24, 34-39, 64-55, 82-74.
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