Filoil: UST falls to Letran in Ayo’s first game as coach

UST Growling Tigers. Photo by Randolph Leongson

University of Santo Tomas officially debuted its new coach but fell to Letran, 95-90, in in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

It was  Aldin Ayo’s first game at the helm for the Growling Tigers and he faced his alma mater, which he steered to a title in the NCAA, in their first game in the summer tournament.

The Knights, meanwhile, grabbed their first win as Bong Quinto topped the Knights with 22 points and nine assists, while Jerrick Balanza got 17.

Larry Muyang also registered a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards, while Christian Fajarito had 12 and 12 in the win.

With the two bigs controlling the paint, Letran was able to impose its presence down low and established a 67-56 edge in the third period before holding off UST late.

Regie Basibas paced UST with 16 points and four rebounds, while Zach Huang chimed in 15 and six in the defeat.

The Scores:

LETRAN 95 — Quinto 22, Muyang 17, Balanza 17, Fajarito 12, Calvo 6, Batiller 6, Balagasay 4, Celis 4, Agbong 3, Taladua 2, Mandreza 2, Yu 0, Ibanes 0, Ambohot 0, Galvelo 0.

UST 90 — Basibas 16, Huang 15, Subido 14, Zamora 13, Lee 8, Agustin 8, Cansino 5, Caunan 4, Bataller 3, Sta. Ana 2, Marcos 2.

Quarters: 14-15, 40-38, 67-56, 95-90.