Dave Ildefonso stars as NU holds off UST | Inquirer Sports

Dave Ildefonso stars as NU holds off UST

By: - Reporter / @MarkGiongcoINQ
/ 06:26 PM September 08, 2018

NU’s Sean Dave Ildefonso drives past the defense of UST’s CJ Cansino. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

National University held off University of Santo Tomas, 75-70, at the start of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Saturday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Rookie Dave Ildefonso played like a veteran in his debut for the Bulldogs, scoring a game-high 20 points that went with seven rebounds, four assists and a block.

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NU blew a 17-point lead it built in the third quarter after UST came within four, 72-68, after a basket by Steve Akomo with 1:36 left.

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“Coaches were not satisfied. We played really good in the third quarter but we didn’t play selflsess in the fourth quarter that only shows that we really have a young team,” said NU head coach Jamike Jarin.

“But like what I’ve been telling everybody especially these young men, we have to mature fast in order to compete this season.”

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First-year forward CJ Cansino also shone with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Growling Tigers, who muffed several chances to pull much closer inside the final minute.

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Shaun Ildefonso, Dave’s older brother, added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while Issa Gaye anchored NU’s defense with seven blocks with six points and four rebounds to boot.

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With Gaye inside for the Bulldogs, the Tigers had to bleed for points. UST’s guards Renzo Subido and Marvin Lee had a cold shooting night, combining for 8-of-43 from the field.

Despite the loss, a five-point loss to a Final Four contender in NU gives UST a lot of reasons to feel good about this year under new coach Aldin Ayo after coming off a season where it finished with only one win.

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TAGS: Basketball, CJ Cansino, Dave Ildefonso, Issa Gaye, Jamike Jarin, NU Bulldogs, Shaun Ildefonso, UAAP Season 81, UST Growling Tigers

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