Karim Abdul made the shots that mattered most. photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Even if University of Santo Tomas has been shaping into a legitimate contender in the UAAP men’s basketball wars, Kevin Ferrer isn’t about to let his Tigers wear that tag just yet.
“We’re not contented with what we have,” said Ferrer. “We have to do more.”
Ferrer dropped a reminder that he’s still the main UST stalwart when he anchored the Tigers’ incredible comeback from 16 points down against Ateneo, 68-58, yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I just did my role as a leader,” said Ferrer, who battled through fever for a career-high performance of 27 points.
He did more than that, putting the Tigers in a share of the lead at 4-1 as the tournament breached the halfway mark of the first round.
Like Ferrer, UST coach Bong dela Cruz thinks the Tigers, who in the past seasons have mounted rallying wins to earn the “Comeback Cats” moniker, haven’t proven anything yet despite a surprise start that has put them back in the title hunt.
“It’s still a long season,” noted Dela Cruz.
Ateneo dropped to 3-2.
National University, meanwhile, looks to have hit its stride by stringing up three wins after a worrisome 0-3 start to its title defense.
“We’re starting to get our bearings,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano, after a 68-52 victory over University of the Philippines.
Gelo Alolino knocked in 16 points, including four triples in a decisive second-quarter outburst, to power the Bulldogs to a third straight victory.
Alfred Aroga grabbed a season-high 22 rebounds to go with 12 points to send UP to a third straight loss in a 2-3 card. With a report from Jun Veloira
The scores:
First Game
NU 68—Alolino 16, Aroga 12, Salim 9, Tansingco 7, Javelona 6, Diputado 4, Alejandro 2, Celda 2, Abatayo 1, Javillonar 0, Yu 0.
UP 52—Manuel 16, Desiderio 10, Dario 8, Lim 5, Asilum 4,Gallarza 2, Jaboneta 2, Longa 2, Moralde 2, Amar 1, Harris 0, Juruena 0, Kone 0, Prado 0, Vito 0.
Quarters: 19-12, 38-27, 51-43, 68-52
Second Game
UST 68—Ferrer 27, Daquioag 9, Lee 8, Abdul 7, Bonleon 7, Vigil 6, Sheriff 3, Faundo 1, Caunan 0, Lao 0, Suarez 0, Subido 0.
ATENEO 58—Pessumal 19, Ravena 13, Nieto 8, Babilonia 5, Tolentino 4, Gotladera 3, Apacible 2, Black 2, Pingoy 2, Cani 0, Capacio 0, Ikeh 0, Wong 0.
Quarters: 12-9, 26-30, 42-52, 68-58