UST head coach Bong dela Cruz found a gem in forward Reggie Basibas Wednesday. MARK GIONGCO
MANILA, Philippines — Playing minus two key cogs, University of Santo Tomas got a lift from seldom-used rookie Reggie Basibas to beat also-ran University of Philippines, 77-65, in UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Basibas chose the best time to deliver a breakout performance with the Growling Tigers missing the services of forward Kevin Ferrer for the second straight game and guard Ed Daquioag.
“Reggie stepped up. We have injured players and we needed someone who would step up and he stepped up,” said UST head coach Bong dela Cruz in Filipino.
Basibas, out of Arellano high school, posted career-highs of 16 points and 18 rebounds to help UST pick up a much-needed win and level its win-loss record at 5-5.
“He’s athletic and he has high basketball skills. He’s always ready to play,” dela Cruz said of Basibas.
UST, which remained in Final Four contention and is currently tied with University of the East just outside the playoff picture in fifth, ran away in the final frame and led by 11, 67-56, after a basket by Karim Abdul.
“We’re still alive for a Final Four spot. We just need to play one possession at a time,” dela Cruz said.
Abdul had team-high 21 points and 12 rebounds to offset his eight turnovers while skipper Aljon Mariano added 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Mariano hit a heave to beat the third quarter buzzer that gave the Tigers, who extended their winning streak against the Maroons to 16, the lead for good, 54-53, entering the fourth period.
Ferrer is still recuperating from a fractured left hand while Daquioag sprained his left ankle in practice last Tuesday.
Dela Cruz said he still doesn’t know when Ferrer would get the clearance to play while he hopes Daquioag will be back on Saturday in a crucial clash against Ateneo.
“We need to double our efforts against Ateneo,” dela Cruz said.
Fighting Maroons head coach Rey Madrid got ejected with still 17.7 seconds to go in the first quarter after picking up two consecutive technical fouls.
Mikee Reyes had game-high 22 points but needed 21 shots and only made seven from the field for UP, which suffered its ninth loss in 10 outings.
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