FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas barely survived a hard-fighting Adamson side anew, 61-59, at the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Returning swingman Louie Vigil scored 13 points, including the go-ahead basket with under two minutes left before the Growling Tigers, who stopped a three-game losing skid, dodged a bullet with the Falcons’ guard William Polican missing a good look at a potential game-winning 3-pointer as time ran out.
Vigil also had five rebounds while Jamil Sheriff had an all-around effort with seven points, five rebounds, three assists and six steals to help UST get a much-needed win and level its win-loss record at 4-4.
Veteran forward Don Trollano notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a losing cause as Adamson dropped its eighth straight setback in as many games.
UST skipper Aljon Mariano struggled but he hit one-of-two free throws with 7.3 seconds left. The Growling Tigers had 20 offensive rebounds, including four extra possessions in one offensive trip at a crucial stretch, as compared to the Falcons 14.
Back in the first round, UST nearly lost to Adamson, 50-49, in a game that was also decided at the very last second.
Cameroonian center Karim Abdul played four minutes in the third quarter after missing the Tigers’ game against University of the East last Wednesday due to a viral infection.