UST bests UP, 77-70, in Filoil Preseason Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Aljon Mariano exploded for 26 points while Jeric Fortuna sparked a run in the payoff period as University of Santo Tomas bested University of the Philippines, 77-70 in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.

Mariano, who also plucked 10 rebounds, has emerged as the Tigers’ new go-to-guy returning from a one-year absence, but it was Fortuna who stretched the gap, 60-53, with three straight buckets.

Sophomore Kevin Ferrer also had significant contributions, knocking down a crucial trey, to finish with 12 points.

UST, with its fifth win with just three losses, clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, which starts on Wednesday, and is set to face either National University of San Sebastian.

Despite being outscored in the third quarter, the Tigers maintained their distance from the Maroons – owing to a huge advantage on the boards, 47-26.

UP, which concluded its campaign in the Pre-Season Cup with a dismal 1-7 record, tried to make a run but still came up short towards the end.

Mike Silungan finished with 18 points and five rebounds for the Maroons.