UST turns on jets late, routs UP for 2nd straight win

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Using its quickness and high-octane offense, University of Santo Tomas rolled past University of the Philippines, 85-69, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigers went on a blistering 11-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Renzo Subido, to close the game.

UP pulled within four, 67-63, before Brent Paraiso and Renzo Subido quickly turned things around with a couple of baskets that gave UST a 72-65 cushion.

Mark Nonoy then, left UP in the dust with a quick transition layup followed by a triple that widened the Growling Tigers’ gap to 79-69 lead with 1:22 to play.

“We won’t win based on capabilities alone, so what I told the players was us coaches prepared a game plan so the players just have to execute it,” said UST head coach Aldin Ayo, whose squad rose to 2-0, said in Filipino.

“My players’ mindset were just focusing on our objective and that is executing our game plan.”

Soulemane Chabi Yo anchored the Growling Tigers with 18 points and 18 rebounds, six of which were offensive, while Nonoy added 16 points.

Subido finished with 13 points while Rhenz Abando and Dave Ando added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie had 19 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Fighting Maroons who dropped to a 1-1 record.