Tigers rout Maroons, in fourth spot for now at UAAP 76 men’s basketball

Sheak Sheriff of UST dribble away from Kyles Lao of UP ,at the MOA arena .
INQUIRER PHOTO /AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines – Never relent. That was what head coach Pido Jarencio wanted University of Santo Tomas to keep in mind.

And relentless they were, especially in the fourth quarter, as UST clobbered the University of the Philippines, 63-39, Saturday to move into the fourth spot in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament.

“We should learn how to properly finish games. We can’t get used to relaxing when we’re in the lead,” said Jarencio in Filipino after the Tigers went on a 23-6 finishing kick.

Aljon Mariano poured six of his 16 points in the payoff period, the best 10-minute stretch UST played after three lackadaisical quarters from both camps.

“There should be pressure. I want the players to have killer instinct. We can’t afford to lose the lead when we change players on the floor,” Jarencio added.

Kevin Ferrer exploded with 12 in the first half, but was held scoreless the rest of the way. It hardly mattered, though, as the returning Jeric Teng, and Ed Daquioag picked up the slack.

The Tigers claimed solo fourth with a 7-5 card, but with the tight standings, Jarencio admits that they are far from securing a slot in the final four.

UP, meanwhile, skidded to its 12th setback after shooting a league-low 18.5% from the field.

Three Maroons shot 10 and more from the floor but no one converted more than five. Sam Marata led with 12 points.