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MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas bucked horrendous free throw shooting and tore down University of the East, 67-64, Friday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Growling Tigers only secured four points out of 10 attempts form the stripe in the final two minutes but nonetheless managed to pull through in the stretch for the squad’s third win.
“My players are used to close games, it toughens us up and showed we don’t give in,” said head coach Pido Jarencio.
Versatile forward Aljon Mariano, chalking up 20 points and 10 rebounds, scored three points in the last 30 seconds to carry the squad anew – only continuing his consistent performance for the Tigers.
Cameroonian reinforcement Karim Abdul still isn’t his usual dominant self but still finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
A 10-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back nifty jumpers from star guard Jeric Fortuna, swayed the lead back to UST midway the payoff period after trailing 51-55.
But the Red Warriors, showing a consistent spunk which it showcased in a big win over La Salle last week, worked to cut the stay within striking distance.
An attempt to tie the game at the buzzer by Roy Sumang was neutralized by Fortuna’s efficient defending.
Jay Ar Sumido and Sumang spearheaded the last ditch rally and finished with 12 and 11 points, in that order, while Adrian Santos led with 15 markers.