University of Santo Tomas avoided a winless season as they escaped the University of the East, 88-85 on their last game in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Masaya kami kasi syempre hindi kami na-zero and at the same time, ito ‘yung part ng rebuilding process namin eh,” said second year UST coach Boy Sablan.
Despite having its worst season, the crowd of white and gold were present once again to witness the last Tiger power that UST could offer.
UST started strong in the first half as they pounced on UE, but the Red Warriors managed to get the rhythm of the game and made a run to close the third quarter with only a two-point deficit, 63-61.
Philip Manalang and Mark Maloles powered the Red Warriors to cut UST’s five-point lead, 84-79, to only one, 84-83.
With pressure on their shoulders, Marvin Lee and Oliver De Guzman was able to sank in four free throws in the final 5.5 ticks in the game and forbid Alvin Pasaol to sabotage their win.
Regie Basibas led UST after filling the stat sheets with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, while Cameroonian Steve Akomo had a double-double record of 18 points and 20 rebounds, along with three assists and six blocks.
Eric Caunan also chipped in a double-double of 14 markers and 11 boards, while Lee had 11 points, five boards and three dimes.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors ended the season with a 3-11 card.
Pasaol led UE with 18 points, five rebounds and five steals, while Jason Varilla finished with 16 points and three boards and Mark Maloles had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists in the defeat.
Rey Acuno, Clark Derige and Marm Olayon played their final game for UE, while Jeepy Faundo playes his for UST.
The Scores:
UST 88- Basibas 21, Akomo 18, Caunan 14, Lee 11, Garvia 10, De Guzman 6, Sta. Ana 4, Escalambre 2, Macasaet 2, Romero 0, Huang 0, Faundo 0.
