UAAP: UST edges UP in thriller to reclaim solo 3rd

MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas rediscovered its shooting touch just in time to slip past University of the Philippines, 84-78, and stay in the hunt for a semifinal bonus Wednesday in UAAP Season 82 basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.

Brent Paraiso and Renzo Subido knocked down crucial three-pointers inside the last 1:31 as the Growling Tigers closed the game with a 10-0 blitz that propelled them past the Fighting Maroons.

It was UST’s sixth win in 11 games, giving the Tigers solo third, ahead of La Salle (5-5) and Far Eastern U (5-6). La Salle overcame University of the East, 65-59, while Ateneo rallied past FEU, 65-55, in earlier games.

The Fighting Maroons fell to 6-4 but remained in second spot. UP’s loss also meant that the Blue Eagles clinched the top seed in the Final Four with three games to spare.

“It was a good game, a good win because it was a close game,” said UST coach Aldin Ayo. “Being a young team and making the right decisions down the stretch, that was big for us.”

The Tigers nailed 12 treys in the first half to seize control, but that outside shooting deserted them in the third period, where they made just 1-of-10.

UST’s struggles allowed UP to regain the advantage with Maroons forward Kobe Paras, who bucked a shoulder injury in the first half, returning to push the lead with a triple for a 78-74 lead with 1:40 remaining.

Subido hit two free throws on the next play, before Paras missed on a drive. Subido found Paraiso for a triple with 52.5 seconds remaining.

A turnover by Juan Gomez De Liaño led to a Subido trey for an 82-78 lead with 26.7 seconds remaining.

The Scores:

UST 84 – Concepcion 16, Chabi Yo 14, Subido 13, Cansino 12, Huang 9, Ando 7, Nonoy 7, Paraiso 6, Bataller 0, Bordeos 0, Cuajao 0

UP 78 – Paras 18, Manzo 12, Rivero 12, Gomez de Liano Ja 11, Akhuetie 10, Gomez de Liano Ju 5, Mantilla 3, Murrell 3, Prado 2, Webb 2, Jaboneta 0, Spencer 0, Tungcab 0

QUARTER SCORES: 23-22, 48-41, 60-57, 84-78