UST ends 5-game skid, beats NU

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas stopped a five-game slide following a 73-69 upset of National University in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Guards Marvin Lee and Jon Sheriff had career performances with 22 and 19 points, respectively for the Growling Tigers, who improved to 3-7. 

“It’s all about team effort and team defense and yun ang naging problema namin last five games. Nagtrabaho talaga yung mga bata,” UST head coach Boy Sablan said. “Sabi ko lang kay Marvin itira mo lang. Pinabigay ko lang sakanya yung bola kasi mainit na mainit.”

“Para sakin, surprised din ako kasi pumasok mga tira ko. Pero sabi nga ni coach nag-e-extra work kami so lumalabas lang pinaghihirapan namin,” Lee, the sophomore guard, said.

Louie Vigil added 20 points on 27 shots on top of seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Matt Salem scored 20 points while Alfred Aroga posted 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who have now lost their third straight game for a 4-5 card.