UST edges Perpetual Help in the Filoil Pre-Season Cup

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas shook off the rust and escaped University of Perpetual Help, 70-66, Monday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

The Tigers leaned on their steady free throw shooting down the stretch and pounced on the Altas’ costly errors to bag their first victory in the tournament.

Coach Pido Jarencio knew the victory wasn’t pretty, and that his squad is still a work in progress especially with half of the squad also playing in different teams in the PBA D-League.

“We barely survived. Our team has no chemistry yet. Sabog kami, aaminin ko (We’re not in sync, that I would admit),” said Jarencio of the victory, as his squad also accounted for 17 turnovers.

Jeric Fortuna, Kevin Ferrer and Karim Abdul made good their free throws in the fourth quarter to help UST’s cause, as the team recovered from an opening day setback to San Beda.

Aljon Mariano, who’s back in the lineup after a year-long break, poured in 14 points in the third period to keep the Tigers on top. Abdul also had 14 points and 12 rebounds in 19 minutes, while starting guard Fortuna added 13 points.

The Altas, who had a one point advantage at halftime, seized the lead from the Tigers countless times in the second half but struggled to hold on to it.

Marksman Jett Vidal had a dismal game, missing seven of his eight attempts in one stretch, but still finished with 16 points.

Earl Thompson added 12 points for Perpetual Help, which reeled to its second loss.