Hanes Cup: UST nails crucial win over Letran

MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas moved closer to clinching a quarterfinals slot following a crucial win over Letran, 86-69, Monday in the 2012 FilOil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the San Juan Arena.

The Growling Tigers, who climbed to fourth place in Group A with a 4-3 mark, wasted little as their offense clicked early en route to a 30-18 first quarter lead.

UST’s second unit played a huge role as it kept the Tigers’ energy high on both ends that the Knights weren’t able to meet.

“We just play it out. The important thing here is for my players to learn how to play together,” UST head coach Pido Jarencio in Filipino.

Jarencio also commended his team’s shooting which is an impressive 52 percent while at the same time holding Letran to just 39 percent.

Karim Abdul dominated inside for 18 points on seven-of-10 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and four assists.

UST built a 22-point lead, 47-25, after a basket by Jeric Teng. Letran came as close as 12, 60-48, but Clark Bautista immediately answered with a three.

Abdul confidently hit a top of the key jumper that brought the Tigers’ lead back to 20, 76-56.

Kevin Alas was limited to five points and had three errors.

Letran head coach Louie Alas got ejected at the 1:56 mark of the second period for verbally assaulting the referee.

According to Alas, he was able to lip read the referee and he didn’t like what the official said on his son Kevin, who was arguing for a foul called against him.