NU ends winless start, deals UST its first loss

Alfred Aroga played hero for National University on Saturday in a one-point win over University of Santo Tomas for its first win of the season. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion National University finally won after taking down erstwhile undefeated University of Santo Tomas, 55-54, in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alfred Aroga made the game-winning basket, nailing a long baseline jumper over Karim Abdul, with 14.7 seconds left to lift the Bulldogs to their first win after a 0-3 start.

The Growling Tigers reeled to their first loss after winning their first three games against Adamson, Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines.

“These are still young men. When these kids are down their confidence level is easily shattered.”Altamirano said after notching a 1-3 record.

“The guys were positive coming into the game and they played with a lot of heart.”

Down 41-36 late in the third quarter, the Growling Tigers went on a frenetic 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to establish a 48-41 lead after a Mario Bonleon 3-pointer from the left wing with 7:08 remaining before the Bulldogs kept the game close late.

Ed Daquioag nearly won it for UST after scoring on a layup over Kyle Neypes and Rev Diputado off an NU turnover that gave the Tigers a 54-53 edge with 28.1 ticks remaining.

Aroga led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Gelo Alolino had a miserable offensive outing with only two points on 1-of-12 shooting from the field but he contributed nine rebounds and nine assists in the victory.

Kevin Ferrer paced UST with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Abdul had 11 points and five boards.