UST’s Rhenz Abando against Adamson defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO – Showing composure down the stretch, University of Santo Tomas held off Adamson, 80-74, Saturday night to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth in UAAP Season 82 basketball tournament.
Renzo Subido knocked down a contested triple from the corner and hit two free throws inside the final 1:36 as the Growling Tigers survived the Falcons’ late uprising to finish the elimination-round with an 8-6 record.
The win puts UST in a strong position regardless of results in the remaining games involving Final Four contenders. In the event of a four-way tie for second with 8-6 records, the Tigers will be part of the playoff for the second seed most probably against Far Eastern U should the Tamaraws hurdle the University of the East Warriors on Sunday.
“We were tight – all of us from the players and coaching staff,” said UST coach Aldin Ayo in explaining his team’s performance.
“This is a learning experience for us and the players are still working on how to handle the pressure.”
With the Falcons trimming a 12-point deficit to just 69-73 after Lenda Douanga’s basket, Subido nailed a timely triple before helping making it a five-point lead with two foul shots with 11 seconds remaining.
Ira Battaller’s split at the line with 27 seconds also proved critical for the Tigers as it kept them in control even with Jerrick Ahanmisi hitting a triple with 13 seconds left to pull the Falcons to within three, 74-77.
The Tigers threatened to rip the game open by closing the third quarter with a 10-0 blitz only for the Falcons to claw their way back into the game, setting the stage for an anxious finish.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW