UAAP: UST’s Mark Llemit says it’s ‘back to zero’ in second round

UST forward Mark Llemit against UP in the second round of UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas fell victim to University of the Philippines at the start of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball second round.

The loss extended the Growling Tigers’ losing streak against the Fighting Maroons to eight dating back to 2022 when Goldwin Monteverde took over as UP’s head coach.

Despite the defeat, UST remained on track for a Final Four spot in fourth place just a game behind third-running University of the East.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

Still, their position in the upper half of the standings shouldn’t be a reason for the Tigers to be comfortable at this stage of the tournament.

“We’re not thinking of anything about that,” said UST forward Mark Llemit in Filipino. “This is a new round. It’s back to zero here.”

Llemit, one of UST’s reliable reserves, had five points, five rebounds and two steals.

READ: UAAP: UP repeats over UST to get back on track

Mo Tounkara had himself a game with a near double-double of 24 points and nine rebounds but it just wasn’t enough to hold off the Fighting Maroons, who rose to a 7-1 card to tie La Salle on top.

UST’s duo of Nic Cabañero and Christian Manaytay also scattered 17 and 12 points, respectively.

Having lost three of their last four following a 3-1 start, the road to the Final Four doesn’t get easier for the Tigers, who will face another powerhouse next in defending champion La Salle on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.